Hemiazygos vein
Hemiazygos Vein
The Hemiazygos Vein (pronunciation: hee-mee-uh-ZY-guhs vayn) is a significant vein in the human body that plays a crucial role in the circulatory system.
Etymology
The term "Hemiazygos" is derived from the Greek words "hemi," meaning half, and "azygos," meaning unpaired. This name is given due to the vein's unpaired nature and its location in the body.
Definition
The Hemiazygos Vein is a vein that runs up the left side of the thoracic vertebrae. It is responsible for draining the blood from the left side of the thorax, abdomen, and lower back into the azygos vein, which then carries the blood to the superior vena cava, the main vein leading to the heart.
Anatomy
The Hemiazygos Vein begins in the left ascending lumbar vein or the left subcostal vein. It ascends into the thorax by passing over the left crus of the diaphragm. It continues upward, receiving tributaries from the left intercostal spaces and often from the left bronchial veins. It then crosses the midline to join the azygos vein.
Related Terms
- Azygos Vein: A vein running up the right side of the thoracic vertebrae, which often connects with the hemiazygos vein.
- Superior Vena Cava: The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body into the heart's right atrium.
- Thoracic Vertebrae: The twelve vertebrae in the spine located in the chest area, often connected to the ribs.
- Diaphragm: The primary muscle used in the process of inspiration, or breathing in.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemiazygos vein
- Wikipedia's article - Hemiazygos vein
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