Embryology: Development of the Venous System

Vocabulary flashcards covering the development and derivatives of the primitive venous systems (vitelline, umbilical, and cardinal) and fetal circulation.

Vitelline veins

One of the three sets of primitive veins that form from the yolk sac.

Umbilical veins

One of the three sets of primitive veins that originate from the placenta.

Cardinal veins

One of the three sets of primitive veins that drain the body of the embryo.

Anterior cardinal vein

The branch of the cardinal system that drains the upper body.

Posterior cardinal vein

The branch of the cardinal system that drains the lower body.

Common cardinal vein

The venous structure that opens into the sinus venosus, formed by the union of anterior and posterior cardinal veins.

Sinus venosus

The chamber of the primordial heart that receives blood from the common cardinal, umbilical, and vitelline veins.

Ductus venosus

A venous shunt that connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava, allowing blood to bypass the liver.

Superior mesenteric vein

A vein formed from the vitelline vein system, specifically joining the left vitelline vein.

Portal vein

A vessel formed by the middle dorsal anastomosis, the right vitelline vein, and the part of the left vitelline vein where the splenic and superior mesenteric veins meet.

Superior vena cava

Formed from the right anterior cardinal vein (distal to the oblique communication) and the right common cardinal vein.

Right brachiocephalic vein

A derivative of the right anterior cardinal vein cranial to the oblique communication.

Left brachiocephalic vein

Formed from the oblique communication between the anterior cardinal veins.

Subcardinal veins

Abdominal veins that primarily drain the kidneys.

Supracardinal veins

Abdominal veins that drain the posterior body wall.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Components

A composite vessel formed by the right posterior cardinal vein, right supracardinal vein, right subcardinal-supracardinal anastomosis, right subcardinal vein, subcardinal-hepatocardiac anastomosis, and right hepatocardiac channel.

Ductus arteriosus

A fetal circulatory structure that connects the pulmonary trunk to the arch of the aorta.

Foramen ovale

An opening in the septum between the right and left atrium in the fetal heart.