Sacral veins

Sacral veins

The sacral veins as depicted in Gray's Anatomy.

The sacral veins are a group of veins located in the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine. They are part of the venous system and play a crucial role in returning deoxygenated blood from the sacral region back to the heart.

Anatomy

The sacral veins are located on the posterior surface of the sacrum, running parallel to the sacral arteries. They drain the venous blood from the sacral region and connect with the internal iliac veins to form the common iliac veins, which eventually drain into the inferior vena cava.

Function

The primary function of the sacral veins is to return deoxygenated blood from the sacral region to the heart. They also play a role in the regulation of blood pressure and volume in the sacral region.

Clinical significance

Due to their location, the sacral veins can be affected by conditions such as sacral insufficiency fractures, sacral nerve injuries, and pelvic congestion syndrome. Understanding the anatomy and function of the sacral veins is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

See also

• Vein
• Sacrum
• Venous system
• Inferior vena cava