Posterior Internal Vertebral Venous Plexus (Thoracic; Right)
Plexus venosus vertebralis internus posterior
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Posterior epidural space.
Course: Anterior to the vertebral arches in the vertebral canal.
Tributaries: Posterior external vertebral venous plexus.
Drainage: Vertebrae, epidural space, spinal cord, and local tissue.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The posterior internal venous plexus is formed by a network of vessels located within the vertebral canal, anterior to the vertebral arches and lining the posterior aspect of the epidural space. They are in ruminant formation in the cervical region but more developed caudally.
Course
The posterior internal venous plexus is composed of valveless veins, which are free to anastomose with the posterior external vertebral venous plexus.
Additionally, around the foramen magnum, the venous plexus communicates with the occipital and sigmoid sinuses, the basilar plexus, and the condylar emissary veins. It communicates laterally with the intervertebral veins which drain the vertebral venous plexus into the vertebral vein in the neck, the posterior intercostal veins in the thorax, and the lumbar and lateral sacral veins caudally.
Tributaries
The posterior internal venous plexus receives blood from the posterior external vertebral venous plexus, carrying blood from outside the vertebral canal inside.
Structures Drained
The posterior internal vertebral venous plexus drains the vertebrae, epidural space, spinal cord, and local tissue.
List of Clinical Correlates
- Spinal epidural hematoma
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Plexus
Visceral plexuses are a network of nerve fiber and ganglia surrounding organs of the abdomen and pelvis region that convey sympathetic, parasympathetic, and visceral afferent input.