azygos vein
The diagram clearly labels the azygos vein ascending along the spinal column.
Noun: 1. A major vein in the thoracic cavity: The azygos vein is a single, unpaired vein located on the right side of the vertebral column in the chest (thorax). It collects blood from the chest wall and the abdominal wall and drains it into the superior vena cava, which returns blood to the heart.
The term "azygos vein" is used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe this specific vascular structure. It is often discussed in relation to its function, location, and clinical significance. * The azygos vein forms an important collateral pathway for venous blood return if the inferior vena cava is blocked. * During the surgery, the surgeon carefully identified the azygos vein where it arches over the right main bronchus.
- Azygos system: Refers to the collective venous structures, including the azygos vein, the hemiazygos vein, and the accessory hemiazygos vein, which drain the posterior thoracic and abdominal walls.
- Azygos lobe: A rare anatomical variation of the lung where a fold of the visceral pleura is formed by an aberrant course of the azygos vein.
- Azygous vein: An alternative, less common spelling for "azygos vein." The word "azygos" itself comes from Greek, meaning "unpaired."
- Hemiazygos vein: A smaller vein on the left side of the vertebral column that often connects to the azygos vein.
- Superior vena cava: The large vein into which the azygos vein drains deoxygenated blood from the upper body.
- Vena azygos: The full Latin anatomical term.
- Thoracic duct: The main lymphatic vessel, which runs in close proximity to the azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum.
- Intercostal veins: The veins from between the ribs that drain into the azygos system.
The diagram clearly labels the azygos vein ascending along the spinal column.
- one of a system of veins that drain the thoracic and abdominal walls; arises as a continuation of the right ascending lumbar vein and terminates in the superior vena cava