Posterior intercostal veins: Difference between revisions
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Posterior Intercostal Veins}} | |||
== | ==Posterior Intercostal Veins== | ||
[[File:Gray530.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the posterior intercostal veins.]] | |||
The '''posterior intercostal veins''' are a group of veins that drain the [[intercostal spaces]] of the [[thoracic cavity]]. These veins are part of the [[systemic circulation]] and play a crucial role in returning deoxygenated blood from the thoracic wall to the [[heart]]. | |||
==Anatomy== | ==Anatomy== | ||
The | The posterior intercostal veins are located in the intercostal spaces, which are the spaces between the [[ribs]]. Each intercostal space contains a posterior intercostal vein, artery, and nerve, which run along the inferior border of the rib above. | ||
The | ===Course=== | ||
The posterior intercostal veins originate from the [[intercostal muscles]] and the [[parietal pleura]]. They travel posteriorly and superiorly, running alongside the [[posterior intercostal arteries]]. | |||
===Drainage=== | |||
The posterior intercostal veins drain into the [[azygos vein system]]. Specifically, the veins from the right side of the thorax drain into the [[azygos vein]], while those from the left side drain into the [[hemiazygos vein]] or the [[accessory hemiazygos vein]]. | |||
==Function== | ==Function== | ||
The primary function of the | The primary function of the posterior intercostal veins is to collect deoxygenated blood from the intercostal spaces and return it to the heart. This is part of the larger process of systemic venous return, which is essential for maintaining the circulation of blood throughout the body. | ||
==Clinical Significance== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
The posterior intercostal veins can be involved in various clinical conditions. For example, they may become engorged in cases of [[superior vena cava syndrome]], where the normal flow of blood through the superior vena cava is obstructed. Additionally, these veins can be a site for the spread of [[metastatic cancer]] from the thoracic wall. | |||
==Related | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[ | * [[Azygos vein]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Hemiazygos vein]] | ||
* [[Intercostal muscles]] | * [[Intercostal muscles]] | ||
* [[Thoracic cavity]] | * [[Thoracic cavity]] | ||
[[Category:Veins of the torso]] | |||
Latest revision as of 11:32, 15 February 2025
Posterior Intercostal Veins[edit]
The posterior intercostal veins are a group of veins that drain the intercostal spaces of the thoracic cavity. These veins are part of the systemic circulation and play a crucial role in returning deoxygenated blood from the thoracic wall to the heart.
Anatomy[edit]
The posterior intercostal veins are located in the intercostal spaces, which are the spaces between the ribs. Each intercostal space contains a posterior intercostal vein, artery, and nerve, which run along the inferior border of the rib above.
Course[edit]
The posterior intercostal veins originate from the intercostal muscles and the parietal pleura. They travel posteriorly and superiorly, running alongside the posterior intercostal arteries.
Drainage[edit]
The posterior intercostal veins drain into the azygos vein system. Specifically, the veins from the right side of the thorax drain into the azygos vein, while those from the left side drain into the hemiazygos vein or the accessory hemiazygos vein.
Function[edit]
The primary function of the posterior intercostal veins is to collect deoxygenated blood from the intercostal spaces and return it to the heart. This is part of the larger process of systemic venous return, which is essential for maintaining the circulation of blood throughout the body.
Clinical Significance[edit]
The posterior intercostal veins can be involved in various clinical conditions. For example, they may become engorged in cases of superior vena cava syndrome, where the normal flow of blood through the superior vena cava is obstructed. Additionally, these veins can be a site for the spread of metastatic cancer from the thoracic wall.
