Accessory hemiazygos vein

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Vein that drains the thoracic wall

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Latin	vena hemiazygos accessoria

The accessory hemiazygos vein (vena hemiazygos accessoria) is a vein that is part of the azygos vein system and is located in the thoracic region of the body. It plays a crucial role in draining the thoracic wall and certain thoracic organs.

Anatomy

The accessory hemiazygos vein is typically found on the left side of the vertebral column. It usually arises from the left superior intercostal vein and descends along the left side of the vertebral bodies. It receives blood from the 4th to 8th left posterior intercostal veins and sometimes from the left bronchial veins.

Course

The vein descends on the left side of the vertebral column and crosses the midline to join the azygos vein at the level of the 7th or 8th thoracic vertebra. In some individuals, it may communicate with the hemiazygos vein.

Function

The primary function of the accessory hemiazygos vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the thoracic wall and certain thoracic organs into the azygos vein, which then transports the blood to the superior vena cava and eventually to the right atrium of the heart.

Clinical significance

Variations in the anatomy of the accessory hemiazygos vein can have clinical implications, particularly in procedures involving the thoracic cavity. Knowledge of its anatomy is important for thoracic surgery and radiology.

See also

• Azygos vein
• Hemiazygos vein
• Superior vena cava
• Thoracic wall