Abstract

Objectives: To study the variations in formation, termination and its level of azygos vein in embalmed human cadavers. Materials and Methods: The present study sample comprised of thorax of 50 embalmed human cadavers irrespective of their sex and age. The specimens were studied by dissection method at the Department of Anatomy, KIMS Bengaluru and other medical colleges in around the Bengaluru.The parameters were noted meticulously and the data processed. Results: Out of 50 specimens studied, in 42 specimens (84%) azygos vein formed only by lateral root, by 2 roots in 5 specimens (10%). All the three roots, the lateral, intermediate and medial roots together formed the azygos vein in 3 specimens (6%).In all the specimens the azygos vein was terminating into superior vena cava. Formation of azygos vein was at the lower border of T12 in 28 specimens (56%) and termination was at the upper border of T5 in 43 specimens (86%). Conclusion: The result of the study showed the variations in the formation of azygos vein and its level of formation and termination. The variation has been discussed in detail and this knowledge forms the basis for surgical and other radiological procedures in the posterior mediastinum.

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