Test on the anatomy of thoracic veins

Check your knowledge of thoracic venous drainage anatomy. The test covers the topography of the superior vena cava, azygos and intercostal veins, as well as cava-caval anastomoses.

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1. How is the superior vena cava (v. cava superior) formed?

By the confluence of azygos and hemi-azygos veins

The superior vena cava is formed in the anterior mediastinum by the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic veins.
By the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic veins

The superior vena cava is formed in the anterior mediastinum by the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic veins.
By the confluence of internal jugular veins

The superior vena cava is formed in the anterior mediastinum by the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic veins.
By the confluence of subclavian veins

The superior vena cava is formed in the anterior mediastinum by the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic veins.
I find it difficult to answer

The superior vena cava is formed in the anterior mediastinum by the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic veins.

2. At what skeletal-topographical level is the superior vena cava formed?

At the level of the superior thoracic aperture

The confluence of the brachiocephalic veins to form the superior vena cava usually occurs behind the junction of the cartilage of the 1st right rib with the sternum.
At the level of the aortic arch

The confluence of the brachiocephalic veins to form the superior vena cava usually occurs behind the junction of the cartilage of the 1st right rib with the sternum.
At the level of the cartilage of the 3rd right rib

The confluence of the brachiocephalic veins to form the superior vena cava usually occurs behind the junction of the cartilage of the 1st right rib with the sternum.
Behind the junction of the cartilage of the 1st right rib with the sternum

The confluence of the brachiocephalic veins to form the superior vena cava usually occurs behind the junction of the cartilage of the 1st right rib with the sternum.
I find it difficult to answer

The confluence of the brachiocephalic veins to form the superior vena cava usually occurs behind the junction of the cartilage of the 1st right rib with the sternum.

3. Into which vessel does the azygos vein (v. azygos) directly flow?

Into the superior vena cava

The azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung and drains into the superior vena cava at the level of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.
Into the inferior vena cava

The azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung and drains into the superior vena cava at the level of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.
Into the right atrium

The azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung and drains into the superior vena cava at the level of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.
Into the right brachiocephalic vein.

The azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung and drains into the superior vena cava at the level of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.
I find it difficult to answer

The azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung and drains into the superior vena cava at the level of the 3rd thoracic vertebra.

4. From what blood vessel in the thoracic cavity is the azygos vein a continuation?

Right suprahepatic vein

The azygos vein (v. azygos) is a direct continuation of the right ascending lumbar vein (v. lumbalis ascendens dextra) after it passes through the diaphragm.
Inferior vena cava

The azygos vein (v. azygos) is a direct continuation of the right ascending lumbar vein (v. lumbalis ascendens dextra) after it passes through the diaphragm.
Right ascending lumbar vein

The azygos vein (v. azygos) is a direct continuation of the right ascending lumbar vein (v. lumbalis ascendens dextra) after it passes through the diaphragm.
Right internal thoracic vein

The azygos vein (v. azygos) is a direct continuation of the right ascending lumbar vein (v. lumbalis ascendens dextra) after it passes through the diaphragm.
I find it difficult to answer

The azygos vein (v. azygos) is a direct continuation of the right ascending lumbar vein (v. lumbalis ascendens dextra) after it passes through the diaphragm.

5. Through which opening in the diaphragm does the right ascending lumbar vein pass into the thoracic cavity, becoming the azygos vein?

Through the aortic hiatus

Along with the splanchnic nerves, the ascending lumbar vein passes through a narrow slit in the crura of the lumbar diaphragm.
Through a slit in the right crus of the lumbar diaphragm

Along with the splanchnic nerves, the ascending lumbar vein passes through a narrow slit in the crura of the lumbar diaphragm.
Through the opening of the inferior vena cava

Along with the splanchnic nerves, the ascending lumbar vein passes through a narrow slit in the crura of the lumbar diaphragm.
Through the esophageal hiatus

Along with the splanchnic nerves, the ascending lumbar vein passes through a narrow slit in the crura of the lumbar diaphragm.
I find it difficult to answer

Along with the splanchnic nerves, the ascending lumbar vein passes through a narrow slit in the crura of the lumbar diaphragm.

6. Where does blood from the hemiazygos vein (v. hemiazygos) most often drain?

Into the azygos vein.

The hemiazygos vein at the level of the 7th-8th thoracic vertebrae turns to the right, crosses the vertebrae anteriorly, and drains into the azygos vein.
Into the left brachiocephalic vein

The hemiazygos vein at the level of the 7th-8th thoracic vertebrae turns to the right, crosses the vertebrae anteriorly, and drains into the azygos vein.
Into the superior vena cava

The hemiazygos vein at the level of the 7th-8th thoracic vertebrae turns to the right, crosses the vertebrae anteriorly, and drains into the azygos vein.
Into the accessory hemiazygos vein

The hemiazygos vein at the level of the 7th-8th thoracic vertebrae turns to the right, crosses the vertebrae anteriorly, and drains into the azygos vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The hemiazygos vein at the level of the 7th-8th thoracic vertebrae turns to the right, crosses the vertebrae anteriorly, and drains into the azygos vein.

7. What is the syntopy of the azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum concerning the thoracic aorta?

It lies to the left of the thoracic aorta

In the posterior mediastinum, the azygos vein ascends the right anterolateral surface of the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae, lying to the right of the thoracic aorta.
It lies anterior to the thoracic aorta

In the posterior mediastinum, the azygos vein ascends the right anterolateral surface of the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae, lying to the right of the thoracic aorta.
It lies behind the esophagus and to the left of the aorta

In the posterior mediastinum, the azygos vein ascends the right anterolateral surface of the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae, lying to the right of the thoracic aorta.
It lies to the right of the thoracic aorta

In the posterior mediastinum, the azygos vein ascends the right anterolateral surface of the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae, lying to the right of the thoracic aorta.
I find it difficult to answer

In the posterior mediastinum, the azygos vein ascends the right anterolateral surface of the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae, lying to the right of the thoracic aorta.

8. Into which veins does blood drain from the anterior parts of the intercostal spaces (vv. intercostales anteriores)?

Into the azygos vein.

The anterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales anteriores) collect blood from the anterior walls of the thoracic cavity and empty into the internal thoracic veins.
Into the hemiazygos vein

The anterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales anteriores) collect blood from the anterior walls of the thoracic cavity and empty into the internal thoracic veins.
Into the internal thoracic veins

The anterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales anteriores) collect blood from the anterior walls of the thoracic cavity and empty into the internal thoracic veins.
Into the superior vena cava

The anterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales anteriores) collect blood from the anterior walls of the thoracic cavity and empty into the internal thoracic veins.
I find it difficult to answer

The anterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales anteriores) collect blood from the anterior walls of the thoracic cavity and empty into the internal thoracic veins.

9. At what level does the azygos vein arch over the right main bronchus to drain into the superior vena cava?

At the level of the 5th thoracic vertebra

The arch of the azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of the body of the 3rd (or 4th) thoracic vertebra.
At the level of the 3rd thoracic vertebra

The arch of the azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of the body of the 3rd (or 4th) thoracic vertebra.
At the level of the 7th thoracic vertebra

The arch of the azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of the body of the 3rd (or 4th) thoracic vertebra.
At the level of the first thoracic vertebra

The arch of the azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of the body of the 3rd (or 4th) thoracic vertebra.
I find it difficult to answer

The arch of the azygos vein arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of the body of the 3rd (or 4th) thoracic vertebra.

10. Into which vessel does venous blood drain from the right posterior intercostal veins (IV-XI)?

Into the superior vena cava

The right posterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales posteriores dextrae), starting from the fourth and below, drain directly into the azygos vein.
Into the inferior vena cava

The right posterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales posteriores dextrae), starting from the fourth and below, drain directly into the azygos vein.
Into the internal thoracic vein

The right posterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales posteriores dextrae), starting from the fourth and below, drain directly into the azygos vein.
Into the azygos vein.

The right posterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales posteriores dextrae), starting from the fourth and below, drain directly into the azygos vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The right posterior intercostal veins (vv. intercostales posteriores dextrae), starting from the fourth and below, drain directly into the azygos vein.

11. What veins form the internal thoracic veins (vv. thoracicae internae)?

Vv. musculophrenicae and vv. superior epigastric veins

The internal thoracic veins are formed at the level of the diaphragm by the confluence of the musculophrenic and superior epigastric veins, accompanying the artery of the same name.
Vv. intercostales anteriores and vv. bronchial veins

The internal thoracic veins are formed at the level of the diaphragm by the confluence of the musculophrenic and superior epigastric veins, accompanying the artery of the same name.
Vv. pericardiacophrenicae and vv. thymic veins

The internal thoracic veins are formed at the level of the diaphragm by the confluence of the musculophrenic and superior epigastric veins, accompanying the artery of the same name.
Vv. lumbales and vv. inferior phrenic veins

The internal thoracic veins are formed at the level of the diaphragm by the confluence of the musculophrenic and superior epigastric veins, accompanying the artery of the same name.
I find it difficult to answer

The internal thoracic veins are formed at the level of the diaphragm by the confluence of the musculophrenic and superior epigastric veins, accompanying the artery of the same name.

12. Into which vein does the left superior intercostal vein (v. intercostalis superior sinistra) drain?

Into the azygos vein.

The left superior intercostal vein, collecting blood from the 1st-3rd left intercostal spaces, usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
Into the hemiazygos vein

The left superior intercostal vein, collecting blood from the 1st-3rd left intercostal spaces, usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
Into the left brachiocephalic vein

The left superior intercostal vein, collecting blood from the 1st-3rd left intercostal spaces, usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
Into the superior vena cava

The left superior intercostal vein, collecting blood from the 1st-3rd left intercostal spaces, usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The left superior intercostal vein, collecting blood from the 1st-3rd left intercostal spaces, usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.

13. What veins form the longitudinal cava-caval anastomosis on the posterior wall of the thoracic and abdominal cavities?

Vv. thoracicae internae and vv. inferior epigastric veins

The ascending lumbar veins, collecting blood from the basin of the inferior vena cava, transition into the azygos and hemiazygos veins (basin of the superior vena cava), forming a cava-caval anastomosis.
Vv. lumbales ascendentes, transitioning into the azygos and hemiazygos veins

The ascending lumbar veins, collecting blood from the basin of the inferior vena cava, transition into the azygos and hemiazygos veins (basin of the superior vena cava), forming a cava-caval anastomosis.
Vv. paraumbilicales and vv. thoracoepigastric veins

The ascending lumbar veins, collecting blood from the basin of the inferior vena cava, transition into the azygos and hemiazygos veins (basin of the superior vena cava), forming a cava-caval anastomosis.
Vv. esophageales and vv. left gastric veins

The ascending lumbar veins, collecting blood from the basin of the inferior vena cava, transition into the azygos and hemiazygos veins (basin of the superior vena cava), forming a cava-caval anastomosis.
I find it difficult to answer

The ascending lumbar veins, collecting blood from the basin of the inferior vena cava, transition into the azygos and hemiazygos veins (basin of the superior vena cava), forming a cava-caval anastomosis.

14. From which topographic regions does the accessory hemiazygos vein (v. hemiazygos accessoria) collect blood?

From the lower left intercostal spaces

The accessory hemiazygos vein descends to the left of the spine, receiving blood from the 4th-7th upper left posterior intercostal veins, and drains into the hemiazygos or azygos vein.
From the upper right intercostal spaces

The accessory hemiazygos vein descends to the left of the spine, receiving blood from the 4th-7th upper left posterior intercostal veins, and drains into the hemiazygos or azygos vein.
From the tissue of the anterior mediastinum

The accessory hemiazygos vein descends to the left of the spine, receiving blood from the 4th-7th upper left posterior intercostal veins, and drains into the hemiazygos or azygos vein.
From the upper left posterior intercostal spaces (IV-VII)

The accessory hemiazygos vein descends to the left of the spine, receiving blood from the 4th-7th upper left posterior intercostal veins, and drains into the hemiazygos or azygos vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The accessory hemiazygos vein descends to the left of the spine, receiving blood from the 4th-7th upper left posterior intercostal veins, and drains into the hemiazygos or azygos vein.

15. Into which venous vessel does the unpaired thyroid gland vein (v. thyroidea ima), located in the anterior mediastinum, drain?

Into the left brachiocephalic vein

The unpaired vein of the thyroid gland descends along the anterior surface of the trachea and usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
Into the internal jugular vein.

The unpaired vein of the thyroid gland descends along the anterior surface of the trachea and usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
Into the superior vena cava

The unpaired vein of the thyroid gland descends along the anterior surface of the trachea and usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
Into the subclavian vein

The unpaired vein of the thyroid gland descends along the anterior surface of the trachea and usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The unpaired vein of the thyroid gland descends along the anterior surface of the trachea and usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein.

16. Where does the main blood drainage from the thoracic part of the esophagus through esophageal veins occur. esophageal veins

Into the portal vein

The esophageal veins in the thoracic cavity drain blood predominantly into the azygos vein (right) and the hemiazygos vein (left).
Into the azygos and hemiazygos vein system

The esophageal veins in the thoracic cavity drain blood predominantly into the azygos vein (right) and the hemiazygos vein (left).
Into the internal thoracic veins

The esophageal veins in the thoracic cavity drain blood predominantly into the azygos vein (right) and the hemiazygos vein (left).
Into the pulmonary veins

The esophageal veins in the thoracic cavity drain blood predominantly into the azygos vein (right) and the hemiazygos vein (left).
I find it difficult to answer

The esophageal veins in the thoracic cavity drain blood predominantly into the azygos vein (right) and the hemiazygos vein (left).

17. Into which vessel do the right bronchial veins (vv. bronchiales dextrae) most frequently drain?

Into the pulmonary veins

The right bronchial veins, carrying venous drainage from the tissues of the right lung through the systemic circulation, empty into the azygos vein.
Into the azygos vein.

The right bronchial veins, carrying venous drainage from the tissues of the right lung through the systemic circulation, empty into the azygos vein.
Into the pulmonary trunk

The right bronchial veins, carrying venous drainage from the tissues of the right lung through the systemic circulation, empty into the azygos vein.
Into the internal thoracic vein

The right bronchial veins, carrying venous drainage from the tissues of the right lung through the systemic circulation, empty into the azygos vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The right bronchial veins, carrying venous drainage from the tissues of the right lung through the systemic circulation, empty into the azygos vein.

18. How does the left brachiocephalic vein relate to the branches of the aortic arch?

Passes behind the trachea

The left brachiocephalic vein is almost twice as long as the right and passes obliquely to the right and downward behind the manubrium of the sternum, crossing anteriorly to the branches of the aortic arch.
Winds around the aortic arch leftward and posteriorly

The left brachiocephalic vein is almost twice as long as the right and passes obliquely to the right and downward behind the manubrium of the sternum, crossing anteriorly to the branches of the aortic arch.
Descends laterally to the left common carotid artery

The left brachiocephalic vein is almost twice as long as the right and passes obliquely to the right and downward behind the manubrium of the sternum, crossing anteriorly to the branches of the aortic arch.
Crosses the mediastinum anterior to the branches of the aortic arch

The left brachiocephalic vein is almost twice as long as the right and passes obliquely to the right and downward behind the manubrium of the sternum, crossing anteriorly to the branches of the aortic arch.
I find it difficult to answer

The left brachiocephalic vein is almost twice as long as the right and passes obliquely to the right and downward behind the manubrium of the sternum, crossing anteriorly to the branches of the aortic arch.

19. Which veins merge to form the brachiocephalic vein (venous angle)?

Internal jugular and subclavian veins.

Brachiocephalic veins are formed behind the sternoclavicular joints by the merger of the internal jugular and subclavian veins (forming a venous angle).
Internal and external jugular veins

Brachiocephalic veins are formed behind the sternoclavicular joints by the merger of the internal jugular and subclavian veins (forming a venous angle).
Subclavian and axillary veins.

Brachiocephalic veins are formed behind the sternoclavicular joints by the merger of the internal jugular and subclavian veins (forming a venous angle).
Superior vena cava and azygos veins.

Brachiocephalic veins are formed behind the sternoclavicular joints by the merger of the internal jugular and subclavian veins (forming a venous angle).
I find it difficult to answer

Brachiocephalic veins are formed behind the sternoclavicular joints by the merger of the internal jugular and subclavian veins (forming a venous angle).

20. Which venous plexuses do the posterior intercostal veins form direct anastomoses with through the intervertebral foramina?

With the esophageal venous plexus

Through the intervertebral foramina, the posterior intercostal veins connect with the vertebral venous plexuses, draining blood from the spinal cord and its coverings.
With the plexuses of the sympathetic trunk

Through the intervertebral foramina, the posterior intercostal veins connect with the vertebral venous plexuses, draining blood from the spinal cord and its coverings.
With the internal and external vertebral venous plexuses

Through the intervertebral foramina, the posterior intercostal veins connect with the vertebral venous plexuses, draining blood from the spinal cord and its coverings.
With the pericardial venous plexus

Through the intervertebral foramina, the posterior intercostal veins connect with the vertebral venous plexuses, draining blood from the spinal cord and its coverings.
I find it difficult to answer

Through the intervertebral foramina, the posterior intercostal veins connect with the vertebral venous plexuses, draining blood from the spinal cord and its coverings.