What is the azygos system of veins?
The azygos vein is a vein running up the right side of the thoracic vertebral column draining itself towards the superior vena cava. It connects the systems of superior vena cava and inferior vena cava and can provide an alternative path for blood to the right atrium when either of the venae cavae is blocked.
What is the function of the azygos system of veins?
It is responsible for draining the thoracic wall and upper lumbar region via the lumbar veins and posterior intercostal veins 1. It also provides important collateral circulation between the superior and inferior venae cavae should they become obstructed 2.
Where is the azygos vein found?
The azygos vein originates at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, entering the chest through the aortic hiatus. It ascends along the anterolateral surface of the thoracic vertebrae and arches ventrally to the right main bronchus at T5–T6, draining into the SVC.
Where does the azygos vein receives blood from?
The azygos vein receives blood from the posterior and lateral parts of the chest wall. On the right side, the posterior intercostal veins empty directly into it. On the left side, the posterior intercostals empty into these two hemi-azygos veins which in turn empty into the azygos.
How many azygos veins are there?
Usually, there is a singular azygos vein on the right side of the body. However, the azygos vein is occasionally located in the midline or two independent veins may be present like in early embryonic development. The azygos vein usually originates at the level of the lumbar vertebrae, but may originate further up.
Does the azygos vein carry deoxygenated blood?
It carries deoxygenated blood forming a collateral pathway between the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC). There are also instances were the azygos vein can end lower draining into the intra-pericardial SVC or even the right atrium.
Does the azygos vein carry oxygenated blood?
A large vein, the azygos, which receives oxygen-poor blood from the chest wall and the bronchi, opens into the superior vena cava close to the point at which the latter passes through the pericardium, the sac that encloses the heart.
Which veins are part of the azygos system quizlet?
What does the azygos system include? Azygos vein, hemiazygos vein and the accessory hemiazygos vein. Blood from the abdominal wall and thoracic cavity and delivers it to the superior vena cava.
Which vein is the longest in the body?
Great Saphenous Vein
Did you know that your Great Saphenous Vein is the longest vein in the human body? Extending from the top of your foot to the upper thigh and groin, THIS vein is the major culprit that causes Varicose Veins.
What is azygos lobe of lung?
An azygos lobe forms when the right posterior cardinal vein, one of the precursors of the azygos vein, fails to slide medially over the apex of the lung and instead penetrates it, carrying with it two pleural layers that invaginate into the superior portion of the right upper lobe 2.