Quick Facts
Origin: Along the thoracic esophagus.
Course: Posteriorly to the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory hemiazygos veins.
Tributaries: None.
Drainage: Thoracic esophagus.
Origin
The esophageal veins are small veins that drain blood from the thoracic esophagus.
Course
The esophageal veins extend posteriorly to reach the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory hemiazygos veins.
Tributaries
There are no named tributaries; however, the bronchial veins may receive blood from the esophageal veins.
Structures Drained
The esophageal veins are responsible for draining blood from the thoracic esophagus. The cervical esophagus is drained by the inferior thyroid vein, while the abdominal esophagus is drained by branches of the left gastric vein.
List of Clinical Correlates
- Esophageal varices
