Vortex veins: Anatomic investigations on human eyes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine number of ocular vortex veins, their scleral coordinates, and their relationship with nearby extraocular muscles. Sixty intact cadaver orbits having no history of eye or orbital disorders during life were carefully dissected under stereomicroscopic magnification to expose vortex veins and their exit sites from the eyeball. The number of vortex veins per eye varied from four to eight. Eyes having four (35%) or five (30%) vortex veins were observed most frequently. Three eyes (5%) had eight vortex veins. Although the incidence of the vortex veins was variable, there was at least one vein in each quadrant of the sclera. Knowledge of the approximate location of the vortex vein exit sites is very important for surgeons because damage to these veins during eye surgery could produce potential complications, especially choroidal detachment.

Structural and molecular changes in the aging choroid: implications for age-related macular degeneration

“…In the peripheral choroid, the choriocapillaris connects directly to larger caliber vessels, with fewer intermediate channels. The long and short ciliary arteries, which branch from the ophthalmic artery, are the primary sources of blood that feed the choroidal vasculature, which subsequently drains through four or five vortex veins at the equator (typically one vein per quadrant of the posterior pole 41 ). Blood flow in the choroid is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, and is controlled at the arteriolar level.…”

Microgravity-Induced Fluid Shift and Ophthalmic Changes

“…There are considerable interindividual differences in the number of PCA trunks [ 202 , 203 ], as shown in Figure 12 a, and in the number of their daughter short PCAs entering the orbit. Despite the conventional wisdom that there are 4 VVs per orbit, the VVs also differ in number [ 204 , 205 ] ( Figure 12 b), vessel size and carrying capacity [ 205 ]. A measurement of the net ocular inflow and outflow would require an accounting of the flowrates in all of the VVs and all of the PCA trunks (or their daughters) since there is asymmetry in the carrying capacity of individual VVs and PCAs.…”

“… Number of major blood vessels in choroidal ( a ) inflow (data obtained from [ 202 ]) and ( b ) outflow (data obtained from [ 204 ]). …”

Human structure in six and one‐half weeks: One approach to providing foundational anatomical competency in an era of compressed medical school anatomy curricula

“…Swartz ( 2006 ) described how gross anatomy promotes responsibility, team-work, respect for patients, and social responsibility. Reciprocal peer teaching that often occurs in the context of an anatomy course also fosters professional skills such as communication, oral presentations, respect for peers and leadership (Krych et al, 2005 ). Using a verified psychometric instrument Pearson and Hoagland ( 2009 ) measured change in professionalism attitudes that occurred in their gross anatomy course.…”