Thoracodorsal vein
Vena thoracodorsalis
A vein on the lateral chest wall that drains latissimus dorsi and runs up with the thoracodorsal artery and nerve to join the subscapular vein.
At a glance
- English
- Thoracodorsal vein
- Latin (TA2)
- Vena thoracodorsalis
- System
- Vein
- Region
- Whole body
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the thoracodorsal vein
The thoracodorsal vein is the companion of the thoracodorsal artery, the continuation of the subscapular artery after it gives off the circumflex scapular artery. Artery, vein and the thoracodorsal nerve run together as a neurovascular bundle on the deep surface of latissimus dorsi, near its anterior border, along the side wall of the chest and the posterior wall of the axilla.
Its tributaries come mainly from latissimus dorsi, which it drains through a branching pattern inside the muscle. It also receives branches from serratus anterior, from teres major and from the adjoining skin of the lateral chest wall. Climbing towards the armpit, it meets the circumflex scapular vein, and the two unite to form the subscapular vein, which opens into the axillary vein.
Small connections join the thoracodorsal vein with the lateral thoracic and intercostal veins of the chest wall. These links can enlarge and serve as a bypass when deeper veins at the root of the arm are blocked.
Two operations make this vein familiar to surgeons. In clearance of axillary lymph nodes for breast cancer the thoracodorsal bundle is identified and kept, because cutting the nerve weakens latissimus dorsi. And the thoracodorsal artery and vein form the pedicle of the latissimus dorsi flap, used to rebuild the breast or to cover defects elsewhere; the vein is then the flap's only significant drainage route, so it is handled with particular care. Its branch to serratus anterior allows a segment of that muscle to be taken on the same pedicle.
Course and drainage
- Begins at
- Begins within latissimus dorsi and the lateral chest wall, with branches from serratus anterior and teres major.
- Drains into
- Joins the circumflex scapular vein to form the subscapular vein.
- Drains
- Drains latissimus dorsi, part of serratus anterior, teres major and the skin of the lateral chest wall.
Anthromica
See the thoracodorsal vein where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
