The Veins of the Oesophagus

Abstract

A complete study of the venous systems and their drainage points of the human esophagus was made by examining 21 human fetuses, 17 formalin-preserved specimens from the dissecting-room, and 14 fresh specimens from the post-mortem room. In some of the specimens India ink or Neoprene plastic were used as injn. media. The major venous systems were divided into three main classes: (1) the intrinsic veins within the wall of the esophagus, which comprise the sub-epithelial plexus, submucosal plexus and perforating veins; (2) the venae comitentes of the vagus nerves; and (3) the extrinsic veins formed by the union of the perforating veins. The termination of the esophageal venous system into other major systems, the location and significance of the venous valves, communications with the portal system and relative pressures are also discussed.