hemiazygos vein

Course

• penetrates the left crus of the diaphragm
• ascends along the left side of the bodies of the lower thoracic vertebrae
• crosses the midline at T8 behind the aorta, thoracic duct, & esophagus

Tributaries

• left ascending lumbar vein
• left subcostal vein
• communication from the inferior vena cava (occasionally)

Empties into

azygous vein

More general terms

• vein

Additional terms

• accessory hemiazygos vein
• azygos vein