AZYGOUS VEIN Meaning and
Definition
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The azygous vein is a prominent vein in the human body that plays a crucial role in the circulatory system. It is defined as a large, single unpaired vein that courses alongside the vertebral column and transports deoxygenated blood from the posterior thoracic and abdominal regions to the superior vena cava.
The word "azygous" is derived from the Greek term "azugos," meaning "unyoked" or "unpaired," which accurately describes this vein's unique characteristic of being unpaired or solitary. The azygous vein originates in the pelvis, where it receives blood from various tributaries such as the lumbar veins, the hemiazygous vein on the left side, and the accessory hemiazygous vein on the right side. It ascends upwards along the posterior vertebral column, crossing through the lower thoracic and upper abdominal regions.
As it ascends, the azygous vein receives additional blood from the posterior intercostal veins, which drain the spinal cord, the vertebral column, the ribs, and the muscles and skin of the back. Eventually, the azygous vein arches over the right main bronchus and enters the superior mediastinum, where it terminates by directly joining the superior vena cava, one of the major veins that brings deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart.
Overall, the azygous vein serves as a crucial conduit for the return of deoxygenated blood from the posterior thoracic and abdominal regions to the heart, contributing to the efficient functioning of the circulatory system.
Common Misspellings for AZYGOUS VEIN
- zzygous vein
- szygous vein
- wzygous vein
- qzygous vein
- axygous vein
- asygous vein
- aaygous vein
- aztgous vein
- azggous vein
- azhgous vein
- azugous vein
- az7gous vein
- az6gous vein
- azyfous vein
- azyvous vein
- azybous vein
- azyhous vein
- azyyous vein
- azytous vein
Etymology of AZYGOUS VEIN
The term "azygous vein" comes from Greek roots. The word "azygous" is derived from the Greek word "azugos", meaning "unyoked" or "not paired". In anatomy, "azygous" is used to describe a structure or organ that is unpaired or singular. The term "vein" has Latin origins, derived from the Latin word "vēna". Hence, when combined, the term "azygous vein" refers to a vein that is unpaired or singular.
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