Image Based Question – 65176

In a patient with a tumor in superior mediastinum compressing this structure marked with red arrow, all of the following veins would serve as alternate pathways for the blood to return to the right atrium, except.

A. Lateral thoracic vein

B. Internal thoracic vein

C. Hemiazygos vein

D. Vertebral venous plexus

Show Answer

Correct Answer » D Explanation

Ans;D. Vertebral venous plexus

This structure is Superior vanacava

The vertebral venous plexus is a highly anastomotic network of valveless veins running along the entire length of the vertebral column from the foramen magnum to the sacral hiatus.

Gross anatomy

The vertebral venous plexus is comprised of three interconnected divisions:

• internal vertebral venous plexus

• external vertebral venous plexus

• basivertebral veins

The internal vertebral venous plexuses and external vertebral venous plexuses communicate with one another via the intervertebral veins, which run through the intervertebral foramina.