Question

Paraumbilical v. → Superficial epigastric v. → External iliac v.→ IVC

a) Venous return pathway in the lower extremities
b) Venous return pathway in the abdominal region
c) Arterial supply pathway in the upper body
d) Lymphatic drainage pathway in the pelvis

Answer 1

The venous pathway described is the venous return pathway in the abdominal region, which involves the femoral vein turning into the external iliac vein and then draining into the common iliac vein before connecting to the inferior vena cava.

Step-by-step explanation:

Venous Return Pathway in the Abdominal Region

The transition of the femoral vein becoming the external iliac vein represents a major route for venous return from the lower extremity. The external iliac vein receives blood from the leg and directs it to the common iliac vein. The pathway included, Paraumbilical v. → Superficial epigastric v. → External iliac v.→ IVC, highlights a segment of the venous return system, specifically in the abdominal region. Draining into the inferior vena cava (IVC), this is a key part of the systemic circulation.

The internal iliac vein contributes to this drainage pattern by collecting blood from the pelvic organs and integument, then merging with the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein. As both the external and internal iliac veins unite, they form this common pathway which subsequently drains into the IVC at the level of L5, before the blood continues to the heart.

Moreover, other veins like the lumbar veins drain into either the azygos or the hemiazygos veins, which then make their way to the superior vena cava, but these aren't part of the mentioned pathway.