List of veins in the body

List of Veins in the Body

The human circulatory system is a complex network of blood vessels that includes arteries, veins, and capillaries. Veins are an essential component of this system, responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart from various parts of the body. This article provides a comprehensive list of the major veins in the body, categorized by the regions they serve.

Head and Neck

• Internal jugular vein: Drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.
• External jugular vein: Drains the outer parts of the face and scalp.
• Vertebral vein: Drains the cervical spinal cord and posterior part of the skull.

Upper Extremities

• Brachial vein: Accompanies the brachial artery and drains blood from the lower arm.
• Cephalic vein: Runs along the lateral aspect of the arm and drains into the axillary vein.
• Basilic vein: Located on the medial side of the arm and empties into the brachial vein.
• Median cubital vein: An important vein for venipuncture, connecting the cephalic and basilic veins.

Chest

• Superior vena cava: A large diameter vein that receives blood from the upper body and empties into the right atrium of the heart.
• Inferior vena cava: Carries blood from the lower body to the right atrium.
• Azygos vein: Drains the thoracic wall and upper lumbar region into the superior vena cava.

Abdomen

• Hepatic veins: Drain blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava.
• Renal veins: Drain the kidneys into the inferior vena cava.
• Portal vein: Carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Pelvis and Lower Extremities

• Iliac veins: Include both the internal and external iliac veins, draining the pelvis and lower limbs.
• Femoral vein: The major vein of the thigh, draining into the external iliac vein.
• Great saphenous vein: The longest vein in the body, running along the length of the leg.
• Small saphenous vein: Drains the lateral surface of the leg.

Function and Clinical Significance

Veins play a crucial role in the circulatory system, working against gravity to return blood to the heart. They contain valves that prevent backflow and ensure blood moves in the correct direction. Disorders of the veins include varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can have significant health implications.