Phrenic vein

Phrenic Vein

The phrenic veins.

The Phrenic Vein (also known as Vena Phrenica) is a vein that drains the diaphragm and returns blood to the heart. It is an essential part of the circulatory system and plays a crucial role in the body's oxygenation process.

Anatomy

The phrenic veins are typically paired, with a right and left vein. They drain the superior surface of the diaphragm and return this blood to the inferior vena cava and superior vena cava respectively. The right phrenic vein often receives a small branch from the liver, while the left phrenic vein may receive tributaries from the pericardium and mediastinal surface of the left lung.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and function, the phrenic vein can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, thrombosis in the phrenic vein can lead to pulmonary embolism. Moreover, the phrenic vein can be a site of metastasis for certain types of cancer.

See Also

• Inferior vena cava
• Superior vena cava
• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Circulatory system