Corpus: Esophageal veins

The esophageal veins form a dense venous network within the muscular wall of the esophagus, with numerous branches extending into the submucosa. Venous drainage occurs primarily via the azygos vein (right side) and the hemiazygos vein (left side) into the superior vena cava.

In the abdominal part of the esophagus, the esophageal veins form anastomoses with the terminal branches of the left gastric vein. These anastomoses provide an alternative pathway for portal venous blood to bypass the liver during portal hypertension. As a result of increased pressure and compensatory blood flow through the esophageal veins, esophageal varices can form, posing a risk of significant bleeding.