INTERNAL MASTY VEIN
The internal mammary vein (lat. vena mammaria media) is one of the veins of the pulmonary circulation, located on the anterior surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is formed by the fusion of the anterior and posterior mammary veins in the center of the mammary gland. This vein is of particular importance in the bloodstream of the mammary gland, as it carries blood from the nipple to the tissue.
Structure
The general anatomy of this blood vessel is quite complex, however the main elements can be described as follows:
- The inside of the vein consists of thin layers on which the valves are located. These valves allow blood to move away from the lymph, which helps maintain pressure. - The inner membrane also plays an important role by equalizing the flow of fluid between the inner surface and the surrounding environment, and also helping to prevent the fusion of superficial and deep veins. - The terminal section of this artery is the papillary gland. This is the place where the vein enters the general circulatory system. - The outer walls of the vein contain microscopic muscles and nerve endings that help regulate fluid flow and influence pain sensations.
Functions
The main function of the internal mammary vein (or internal mammary artery, Latin v. mammaria media or v. intermammary) is to return blood flow to the right atrium through the right coronary sinus, in contrast to other mammary arteries, which discharge their flow into the left coronary sinus .
The blood flow that passes through the vein returns to the left atrium through the intrathoracic veins from all the arteries located on the internal branches of the anterior thoracic branch and the maternal vein. The function of the internal mammary vein is to return blood to the upper surface of the body, directing it to the lung through the wall of the pharyngeal sinus.
Thus, this vein is a key element in the blood circulation of the mammary glands and plays a very important role, along with many other blood vessels that run nearby. Its structures have been described above and it carries blood from the lymphatic fluid to the nipple, allowing the proper functioning of the mammary glands. The outer capsule of the mammary gland serves to hold the vessels and structures inside, thus forming the shape of the breast.