esophageal veins
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A set of small blood vessels that drain deoxygenated blood from the walls of the esophagus. These veins connect to and empty into either the brachiocephalic vein or the azygos veins, which are part of the body's venous system.
Usage
The term "esophageal veins" is used specifically in medical and anatomical contexts to describe this particular venous structure. * The esophageal veins are part of the portal venous system's collateral circulation. * In portal hypertension, increased pressure can cause the esophageal veins to enlarge, forming varices.
Examples
- The surgeon carefully avoided the esophageal veins during the procedure.
- Bleeding from dilated esophageal veins is a serious medical complication.
- The imaging study clearly showed the network of esophageal veins.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Significance: The phrase "esophageal varices" refers to abnormally enlarged and tortuous esophageal veins, a condition often associated with liver disease.
- Anatomical Pathways: The esophageal veins form important portosystemic anastomoses, connecting the portal venous system to the systemic venous system.
Variants and Related Words
- Oesophageal veins: An alternative British English spelling.
- Venae esophageae: The Latin anatomical term.
Synonyms
- Oesophageal venous plexus: A related term that describes the network of these veins more broadly.
Noun
- small veins from the esophagus emptying into the brachiocephalic vein or the azygos veins