CORONARY VEINS OF THE HEART. 311 



the vena cava, which thus communicate with it, is altered. 

 Each of them is turned obliquely forwards, so that it forms an 

 angle with the other. This occasions them to appear more 

 like distinct vessels than they otherwise would do. 



The above mentioned portions of the great veins are denomi- 

 nated the Superior or Descending, and the Inferior or Ascend- 

 ing Vena Cava ; as if they were perfectly distinct and uncon- 

 nected with each other. 



The Coronary Veins, 



Which are exclusively appropriated to the heart, may be 

 considered here, as they are not included in the general ar- 

 rangement of the veins. 



The great vein of the heart begins at the lower part of the 

 right auricle, very near to the septum, which divides the two 

 auricles. It soon proceeds to the left in a circular direction, 

 surrounded with adipose matter, in the deep groove which 

 exists between the left auricle and the left ventricle. It con- 

 tinues between the auricle and ventricle, until it is immediately 

 over the septum, which divides the two ventricles. Here its 

 direction changes, and it proceeds to the apex of the heart, 

 where its small ramifications anastomose with others soon to 



be described. In its course round the basis of the left ven- 







tricle, it sends off several branches, one of which is of consider- 

 able size, that proceed from the basis towards the apex of the 

 heart, ramifying on the surface of the left ventricle. 



A second vein, much less than the first, appears to proceed 

 from the great vessel at its commencement,* and continues on 

 the lower flat surface of the heart, between the two ventricles, 

 to the apex, accompanied by a branch of the right coronary 

 artery. This has been called the Middle Vein of the heart. 



In addition to these there are several veins which begin at 

 the right auricle, and extend on the surface of the right ven- 

 tricle towards the apex of the heart. These have been called 

 the Anterior Veins. 



* It often opens into the auricle by a separate orifice. 



