Radicular veins

Veins associated with the spinal cord

Radicular veins

The radicular veins are a network of veins that accompany the spinal nerves and are responsible for draining blood from the spinal cord. These veins play a crucial role in the venous drainage of the spinal cord, ensuring that deoxygenated blood is efficiently removed and returned to the systemic circulation.

Diagram of the spinal cord showing the radicular veins

Anatomy

Radicular veins are closely associated with the spinal nerve roots, which emerge from the spinal cord. Each spinal nerve root is accompanied by a radicular vein, which follows the nerve as it exits the vertebral column. These veins are part of the epidural venous plexus, a network of veins located in the epidural space of the spinal column.

The radicular veins drain into larger veins, such as the intervertebral veins, which in turn connect to the vertebral veins and the azygos venous system. This network of veins ensures that blood from the spinal cord is efficiently returned to the superior vena cava and eventually to the heart.

Function

The primary function of the radicular veins is to facilitate the removal of deoxygenated blood from the spinal cord. This is essential for maintaining the health and function of the spinal cord, as it ensures that metabolic waste products are removed and that the spinal cord receives a fresh supply of oxygenated blood.

Clinical significance

Disorders affecting the radicular veins can lead to significant clinical problems. For example, obstruction or compression of these veins can result in venous congestion of the spinal cord, potentially leading to spinal cord ischemia or myelopathy. Conditions such as spinal arteriovenous malformations or spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas can also involve the radicular veins, leading to abnormal blood flow patterns and increased pressure within the spinal cord.

Related pages

• Spinal cord
• Spinal nerves
• Venous drainage of the brain
• Epidural venous plexus