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Vascular System |
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The function of the vascular system is to nourish each cell in the body. This includes the vertebral column, spinal cord, neural elements, muscles, and other related structures.
The spinal column is served by the body's elaborate system of arteries and veins, as outlined in the following tables. |
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Arteries Supplying Spinal Column |
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| Arteries |
Region |
Vertebral |
Cervical (Head) |
Basilar |
Basilar Cervical (Head) |
Carotid |
Cervical/Thoracic |
Thoracic Aorta |
Thoracic cavity |
Intercostal |
Thoracic wall |
Spinal Branch |
Thoracic/Lumbar |
Anterior Spinal |
Thoracic/Lumbar |
Abdominal Aorta |
Thoracic/Lumbar cavities |
Posterior Branch |
Thoracic to Sacrum |
Lumbar Segmental |
Lumbar |
Left Common Iliac |
Lumbar/pelvic organs, legs |
Right Common Iliac |
Lumbar/pelvic organs, legs |
Segmental |
Lumbar to Sacrum |
Middle Sacral |
Lumbosacral |
Iliolumbar |
Lumbosacral |
Internal Iliac |
Lumbosacral |
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Veins Supplying Spinal Column |
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| Veins |
Region/Comment |
Internal Jugular |
Cervical - returns blood from the head |
External Jugular |
Cervical - returns blood from the head |
Superior Vena Cava |
Cervical/Upper Thoracic Returns blood from upper body to heart |
Thoracic Segmental |
Thoracic |
Inferior Vena Cava |
Thoracic/Lumbosacral Returns blood from lower body to heart |
Azygous |
Azygous Lumbar - Returns blood from lower body when inferior vena cava obstructed |
Hemiazygous |
Lumbar |
Lumbar Segmental |
Lumbar |
Left Common Iliac |
Lumbar |
Right Common Iliac |
Lumbar |
Batson's Plexus |
Lumbar - Valveless vein, provides alternate route for blood return to heart |
Common Iliac |
Lumbosacral |
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