Pericardiacophrenic veins

Veins that accompany the phrenic nerve and drain into the brachiocephalic veins

Pericardiacophrenic veins

The pericardiacophrenic veins are small veins that accompany the phrenic nerve and are involved in the venous drainage of the thoracic cavity. These veins are important in the context of cardiovascular and respiratory anatomy, as they are closely associated with the pericardium and the diaphragm.

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Diagram showing the pericardiacophrenic veins (labeled as "Pericardiacophrenic v.") in relation to the heart and diaphragm.

Anatomy

The pericardiacophrenic veins are paired structures that run alongside the pericardiacophrenic artery and the phrenic nerve. They originate from the thoracic cavity and travel inferiorly, accompanying the phrenic nerve as it descends through the thorax.

Course

The veins begin in the upper thorax, where they collect blood from the pericardium and the diaphragm. They then travel downward, running parallel to the phrenic nerve, and eventually drain into the brachiocephalic veins.

Relations

The pericardiacophrenic veins are situated within the mediastinum, a central compartment in the thoracic cavity. They are closely related to the heart, the lungs, and the great vessels of the thorax. The veins are also in proximity to the internal thoracic veins, which they may communicate with.

Function

The primary function of the pericardiacophrenic veins is to drain deoxygenated blood from the pericardium and diaphragm. This blood is then returned to the systemic circulation via the brachiocephalic veins, which ultimately drain into the superior vena cava.

Clinical significance

The pericardiacophrenic veins can be involved in various clinical conditions. For instance, they may become engorged in cases of congestive heart failure due to increased venous pressure. Additionally, these veins may be encountered during surgical procedures involving the heart or diaphragm, such as pericardiectomy or diaphragmatic hernia repair.

Related pages

• Phrenic nerve
• Pericardium
• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Brachiocephalic vein
• Superior vena cava