Veins Cardinal Posterior

Posterior cardinal veins (lat. v. cardinales posteriores) are a pair of large venous vessels that form in the embryo of vertebrates. They run along the back of the body on either side of the spine.

The posterior cardinal veins play an important role in the development of the venous system of the embryo. From these, large veins such as the inferior vena cava, portal vein of the liver and renal veins further develop.

In adult specimens, the posterior cardinal veins are partially reduced. Their remains remain in the form of the azygos vein and azygos veins of various sizes. Thus, these embryonic vessels give rise to a significant part of the venous system in the adult organism.