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Left Inferior Pulmonary Vein
Cardiovascular System

Left Inferior Pulmonary Vein

Vena pulmonalis sinistra inferior

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Quick Facts

Origin: Union of superior and common basal veins of left lung.

Course: From the left lung to the left posteroinferior aspect of the left atrium.

Tributaries: Superior and common basal veins.

Drainage: Inferior lobe of left lung.

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Origin

The left inferior pulmonary vein is formed by the union of the superior and common basal veins.

Course

As the left inferior pulmonary vein exits the hilum of the left lung, it sits anteroinferior to left main bronchus. As it travels medially, the left inferior pulmonary vein crosses anterior to the descending thoracic aorta, pierces the fibrous pericardium, and drains into the posteroinferior aspect of the left atrium.

Tributaries

The superior and common basal veins are direct tributaries of the left inferior pulmonary vein.

Structures Drained

The left inferior pulmonary vein is responsible for the venous drainage of oxygenated blood from the inferior lobe of the left lung.

List of Clinical Correlates

- Pulmonary vein atresia

- Anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy