Vertebral vein

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Vertebral Vein

The Vertebral Vein (pronunciation: ver-te-bral vein) is a significant component of the human circulatory system.

Etymology

The term "Vertebral" is derived from the Latin word "vertebra", which means a joint or a segment of the spinal column. The term "Vein" comes from the Latin word "vena", which means a blood vessel.

Definition

The Vertebral Vein is a paired set of veins that drain the vertebral column, the cervical vertebrae, and the posterior part of the head. These veins are part of the vertebral venous plexus, a network of interconnected veins that run along the length of the vertebral column.

Anatomy

The Vertebral Veins begin in the occipital region of the head, where they are continuous with the deep cervical veins. They descend in the neck, running alongside the vertebral artery within the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae.

Function

The primary function of the Vertebral Vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the vertebral column and the posterior part of the head, returning it to the heart via the brachiocephalic veins and the superior vena cava.

Related Terms

  • Vein: A blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood towards the heart.
  • Vertebral column: The series of vertebrae that extends from the skull to the coccyx, encasing the spinal cord and providing support for the torso.
  • Vertebral venous plexus: A network of interconnected veins that run along the length of the vertebral column.
  • Brachiocephalic veins: Large veins that receive blood from the upper limbs and the head and neck.
  • Superior vena cava: A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart's right atrium.

External links

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