Vertebral venous plexuses

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

{{{Name}}}
Details
Identifiers
Latinplexus venosus vertebralis
TA98Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 746: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
TH{{#property:P1694}}
TE{{#property:P1693}}
FMA{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology
[[[d:Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 865: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).|edit on Wikidata]]]

The vertebral venous plexuses (also known as the Batson venous plexus) are a network of veins located within the vertebral column. These plexuses are divided into two main groups: the internal vertebral venous plexus and the external vertebral venous plexus. They play a crucial role in the venous drainage of the spinal cord and the vertebrae.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The vertebral venous plexuses are divided into:

  • Internal vertebral venous plexus: This plexus is located within the vertebral canal and is situated between the dura mater and the vertebrae. It is further divided into anterior and posterior internal vertebral venous plexuses.
  • External vertebral venous plexus: This plexus surrounds the vertebrae and is also divided into anterior and posterior components.

Function[edit | edit source]

The vertebral venous plexuses are valveless veins that provide a pathway for venous blood to return from the spinal cord and the vertebrae to the systemic circulation. They are important for maintaining the cerebrospinal fluid pressure and play a role in the spread of metastatic cancer cells and infections due to their valveless nature.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The vertebral venous plexuses are clinically significant because they can serve as a route for the spread of cancer and infections. Due to the lack of valves, increased intra-abdominal or intrathoracic pressure can cause a reversal of blood flow, potentially leading to the spread of disease.

Related pages[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD