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Fourth Lumbar Vein (Left)
Cardiovascular System

Fourth Lumbar Vein (Left)

Venae lumbales quartae

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Quick Facts

Origin: Between the internal abdominal oblique and transversus abdominis muscle in the anterior abdominal wall.

Course: Travels posterolaterally then medially towards the ascending lumbar vein.

Tributaries: Lumbar vertebral plexus.

Drainage: Posterior, lateral, and anterior abdominal wall.

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Origin

The lumbar veins originate in the anterior abdominal wall, between the internal abdominal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. At their origin, the lumbar veins form anastomoses with the lower intercostal, subcostal, and lumbar veins.

Course

From its origin, the lumbar veins accompany the corresponding lumbar arteries and are equivalent to the posterior intercostal veins. From its origin, the fourth lumbar vein travels posterolaterally then medially, between the transversus abdominis and the internal abdominal oblique muscles, towards the ascending lumbar vein. The ascending lumbar vein then joins with the subcostal vein to form the azygos vein on the right, and the hemiazygos vein on the left.

Tributaries

The lumbar veins receive the lumbar vertebral plexus. Additionally, they form anastomoses with the lower intercostal, subcostal epigastric, circumflex iliac, and lateral thoracic veins anteriorly.

Structures Drained

The lumbar veins drain the posterior, lateral, and anterior abdominal wall.

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy