Ligation of the incompetent perforating veins (PV) of the lower leg is one of the stages in the surgical treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Aim — the objective of the present study was to clarify the anatomical characteristics of crural PV that need to be taken into consideration in the course of surgical intervention. Material and methods. The samples were taken from 50 lower legs free from the signs of chronic venous diseases. The venous system was filled with a blue gelatin solution. This procedure was followed by layer-by-layer dissection of the veins classified as straight and tortuous ones. Results. It was shown that the group of the anterior tibial perforating veins consists of 3 to 7 vessels. The most persistent of them are localized in the middle and distal parts of the lower leg. The group of the posterior tibial perforating veins consists of 3 to 8 vessels running largely along the  Linton line throughout the whole length of the lower leg. The most permanent and large (up to 3 mm in diameter) PV are localized in the distal part of the lower leg (the so-called Cockett’s perforating veins). These vessels independently drain the integumentary tissues in the medial malleolus region. The group of the fibular perforating veins involves from 4 to 6 vessels. 60% of them independently drain the skin and the subcutaneous adipose tissue while 24% directly connect the peroneal veins with the small saphenous vein. 100% of the perforating veins in the distal part of the lower leg are hidden under the deep fascial sheet. Conclusion. 1. The angle of confluence of perforating veins, their diameter, localization, and the relationship with superficial and deep veins are those characteristics that may be used by a surgeon to  identify the source of trophic changes in the patients presenting with chronic venous insufficiency. 2. The relationships between PV with the main superficial veins or the deep fascial sheet of the lower leg as well as specific features of their structure at the sub- and epifascial levels are those characteristics that must be known for the choice of the method for the ligation of incompetent perforating veins.