Azygos Vein Definition
It is a one-sided vessel which arises in the thorax to the right part of the vertebral column, delivering deoxygenated blood from the posterior abdominal and chest walls. It is an essential part of the azygos venous system.
Azygos Vein Origin
This vein develops in the thorax at the level of T12 (thoracic vertebra). It originates from lateral, medial and intermediate roots or from the combination of any three.
Azygos Vein Location
It is located on the right side of the thoracic vertebral column. The azygos vein system can be configured differently for different individuals. In rare cases, the vein system supports separate areas of the abdomen.
Azygos Vein Location
Azygos Vein Anatomy
The composition of this blood vessel can be inconsistent. In few cases, it drains thoracic veins, gonadal and bronchial veins. Lack of such a symmetrical vein on the other side of the body has led to its name ‘Azygos.’
Azygos Vein Eytomology
Azygos is derived from a Greek word where zyg means ‘pair’ and A means ‘not.’ Thus, it states its characteristics as unpaired. The vein, unlike the others, is not paired and is typically found on the right side of the body.
Azygos Vein Function
It links the superior venae cavae with the inferior venae cavae either by conjoining the IVC or by the hemiazygos veins. It drains blood from the walls of the abdomen and thorax and also corresponds to the vertebral venous plexuses. It also receives blood from bronchial, mediastinal and oesophageal veins.
Azygos Vein Radiology
It constitutes an essential part of the normal cardiomediastinal curve on chest x-rays and usually measures less than 7 mm.
Azygos Vein Unusual Tributaries
The unusual tributaries of this vein include the superior phrenic, gonadal veins, internal thoracic and bronchial veins
Azygos Vein Litigation
Litigation of this vein is compulsory and is regarded as one of the initial steps during the primary repair of Trach Eoesophageal Fistula (TEF) with Esophageal Atresia (EA). Congenital TEF with EA is frequent occurring disorder in newborns.
Azygos Vein Unpaired
Along with humans, dogs and cats lack paired azygos. However, sheep and cows and other ruminants have paired Azygos.
Azygos Vein Pictures
Azygos Vein Photo
Picture of Azygos Vein
Image of Azygos Vein
References:
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/azygos-vein
http://www.anatomyatlases.org/AnatomicVariants/Cardiovascular/Text/Veins/Azygos.shtml
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/azygos%20vein
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