Lymphatics and veins of the leg, illustration. The superficial lymphatics of the medial leg and thigh drain to the inguinal region. In the femoral triangle are numerous superficial inguinal nodes associated with the great saphenous vein (blue), the saphenous opening and the inguinal ligament. Lymph from the external genitalia and subcutaneous tissues below the waist drains to these nodes. Originating in the foot, the great saphenous vein passes in front of the medial malleolus, medial to the knee and joins the deeper femoral vein in the femoral triangle. From Lizars, J. 1823 A system of anatomical plates of the human body. W.H. Lizars, Edinburgh.