CVP and GI Pathology Exam 1 Practice

Spider veins are small superficial dilated vessels in the skin, often seen on the legs as a fine, branching pattern. They’re typically a cosmetic concern rather than a sign of serious venous disease, which is why this scenario fits best. Larger, rope-like, tortuous veins describe varicose veins, while caput medusae refers to dilated abdominal veins from portal hypertension, and hemorrhoids are dilated rectal veins. So the cosmetic superficial venous dilation of the legs is spider veins.