Azygos Veins, Thoracic Duct, and Thoracic Aorta

Question 1

True or False: The azygos vein, hemiazygos vein, and accessory hemiazygos are on the left side of the thorax?

Answer 1

False; the azygos vein is on the right side of the thorax.

Question 2

Formed by the union of the right ascending lumbar and right subcostal veins. Receives blood from the right posterior intercostal veins and indirectly. Terminates by arching over the right primary bronchus and converges with the SVC at the level of the sternal angle.

Answer 2

Azygos vein.

Question 3

Formed by the union of the left ascending lumbar and left subcostal veins. Receives blood from the lower four left posterior intercostal veins. Joins the azygos vein via tributaries that cross the vertebral column from left to right.

Answer 3

Hemiazygos vein.

Question 4

Usually begins at the fourth intercostal space. Receives blood from the fourth to eighth left posterior intercostal veins. Joins the azygos vein via tributaries that cross that vertebral column or join with hemiazygos vein.

Answer 4

Accessory hemiazygos vein.

Question 5

What does the first posterior intercostal vein on each side drain into?

Answer 5

Brachiocephalic vein.

Question 6

What do the posterior intercostal veins 2-4 drain into?

Answer 6

On the right side the azygos vein, and on the left side into the brachiocephalic vein.

Question 7

Where does the lymph from the thoracic region drain into?

Answer 7

Thoracic duct, and the right lymphatic duct.

Question 8

Where does the thoracic duct drain into?

Answer 8

Left internal jugular vein and subclavian veins.

Question 9

Where does the right lymphatic duct drain into?

Answer 9

Right internal jugular vein and subclavian veins.