Quick Facts
Origin: Anterior mediastinum.
Course: Superiorly to the brachiocephalic veins.
Tributaries: None.
Drainage: Contents of the anterior mediastinum.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The mediastinal veins originate in the anterior mediastinum.
Course
They ascend through the anterior and superior mediastinum, where they unite with the left and right brachiocephalic veins. However, they may also drain into the azygos vein or superior vena cava.
Tributaries
There are no named tributaries.
Structures Drained
The mediastinal veins drain structures of the anterior and superior mediastinum including, mediastinal lymph nodes, areolar tissue (fat), pericardium, and thymus.
