AXILLARY VEIN Meaning and
Definition
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The axillary vein is a major blood vessel that is located in the armpit, specifically in the axillary region, hence its name. It is considered a continuation of the basilic vein, which extends upwards from the hand and forearm. The axillary vein plays a crucial role in the circulation of blood within the upper limb.
Functioning as a conduit for deoxygenated blood, the axillary vein collects blood from several tributaries in the axilla, including the subscapular vein, the lateral thoracic vein, the anterior circumflex humeral vein, and the posterior circumflex humeral vein. It then continues its path towards the chest, where it joins the subclavian vein, a major vein responsible for draining the upper extremities.
The axillary vein is an essential component of the circulatory system, transporting blood back to the heart and facilitating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. Its location makes it a key anatomical landmark used in medical procedures, such as venipuncture and the placement of intravenous lines for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Understanding the structure and function of the axillary vein is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may affect blood flow in the upper limb, such as thrombosis (formation of blood clots), inflammation, or vascular abnormalities.
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A vein formed by the union of the two brachial and the basilic veins, continuous above with the subclavian.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AXILLARY VEIN
- zxillary vein
- sxillary vein
- wxillary vein
- qxillary vein
- azillary vein
- acillary vein
- adillary vein
- asillary vein
- axullary vein
- axjllary vein
- axkllary vein
- axollary vein
- ax9llary vein
- ax8llary vein
- axiklary vein
- axiplary vein
- axiolary vein
- axilkary vein
- axilpary vein
Etymology of AXILLARY VEIN
The word "axillary vein" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The term "axillary" originates from the Latin word "axilla", which means "armpit". This Latin word itself is derived from the Greek word "axilla", which also means "armpit".
Meanwhile, the word "vein" comes from the Old English word "fǣn" or "fēon", which has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*fainan" meaning "to flow". This word is also related to the Old High German word "fein" and Old Norse word "fæna", both meaning "mud".
Therefore, the term "axillary vein" simply refers to a vein located in the armpit region.
Similar spelling words for AXILLARY VEIN
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