Vertebral venous plexuses

Network of veins in the vertebral column

General Information
Latin	plexus venosus vertebralis
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The vertebral venous plexuses (also known as the Batson venous plexus) are a network of veins located within the vertebral column. These plexuses are divided into two main groups: the internal vertebral venous plexus and the external vertebral venous plexus. They play a crucial role in the venous drainage of the spinal cord and the vertebrae.

Anatomy

The vertebral venous plexuses are divided into:

• Internal vertebral venous plexus: This plexus is located within the vertebral canal and is situated between the dura mater and the vertebrae. It is further divided into anterior and posterior internal vertebral venous plexuses.
• External vertebral venous plexus: This plexus surrounds the vertebrae and is also divided into anterior and posterior components.

Function

The vertebral venous plexuses are valveless veins that provide a pathway for venous blood to return from the spinal cord and the vertebrae to the systemic circulation. They are important for maintaining the cerebrospinal fluid pressure and play a role in the spread of metastatic cancer cells and infections due to their valveless nature.

Clinical significance

The vertebral venous plexuses are clinically significant because they can serve as a route for the spread of cancer and infections. Due to the lack of valves, increased intra-abdominal or intrathoracic pressure can cause a reversal of blood flow, potentially leading to the spread of disease.

Related pages

• Spinal cord
• Vertebrae
• Dura mater
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Metastasis
• Infection

This article is a stub related to anatomy. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!