Review article

The craniovertebral venous system

Tamara Šoić Vranić ; Zavod za anatomiju, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci
Snježana Bajek ; Zavod za anatomiju, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka
Ivana Marić
Marina Nikolić ; Zavod za anatomiju, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka
Luka Đudarić ; Zavod za anatomiju, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka
Dragica Bobinac ; Zavod za anatomiju, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka

Abstract

The craniovertebral venous system consists of cranial veins and veins of vertebral column. These veins are interconnected with no valves, allowing blood to flow freely in both directions. The veins of brain, dural venous sinuses, diploic veins and emissary veins belong to cranial veins. The veins of vertebral column consist of external and internal vertebral venous plexus and of basivertebral veins. The vertebral veins, posterior intercostals veins, lumbar veins and lateral sacral veins drain blood directly from craniovertebral venous system in azigos vein or in superior and inferior vena cava. The craniovertebral venous system with other venous systems are forming numerous anastomosis, which in pathological conditions represent a collateral pathway for blood to the heart and allow the direct spread of neoplasms of the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavity in the area of the cranium and spine. In addition, the significance of cranial veins and veins of the upper part of the respiratory system are part of the selective brain cooling mechanism which is particulary important in condition of hyperthermia.

Keywords

anatomy; cranial sinuses; hyperthermia; venous system

Hrčak ID:

148238

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148238

Publication date:

1.12.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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