126 DISTRIBUTION OF THE VEINS. 



rates the cordiform tendon, and pursues its way directly across 

 the cavity of the chest to the lower part of the right auricle : 

 in its passage it is joined by the lumbar spermatic, renal, 

 hepatic, and diaphragmatic veins. 



The common iliac veins are formed under the sacro-iliac, 

 symphysis, by the union of the external and internal iliacs ; 

 they receive a vein from the psoae and iliacus, circumflex 

 vein of the ileum, middle sacral, and azygos. 



The ischiatic vein, situated upon the side of the pelvic 

 cavity, midway between the external iliac and lateral sacral 

 veins ; external and internal branches unite to form it. The 

 internal comprise veins coming from the bladder, anus, peri- 

 neum, and, in the male, from the bulb and prostate : in the 

 female, from the vulva and body of the vagina. The exter- 

 nal come principally from the gluteal and obturator muscles. 



The lateral sacral vein comes from the tail formed by coc- 

 cygeal veins ; it runs forward to the sacrum, and receives in 

 its course the perineal and sarco-spinal branches. 



The external iliac vein takes the same course as the 

 artery ; as it departs from the belly, this vessel receives 



The inguinal vein, (coming from the groin,) also a superficial 

 or cutaneous abdominal vein, known as the milk vein in cattle. 



The femoral vein is the continuation of the iliac trunk 

 below the brim of the pelvis ; and is the main channel into 

 which the deep-seated veins of the hind extremity pour their 

 blood. We commence the description as in the fore extremi- 

 ties, at the leg. 



The large metatarsal vein ascends the canon by the side of 

 the flexor tendons, and passes over the front and inner part of 

 the hock ; it sends out branches, from which result the 



Anterior tibial veins, Which run between the tibia and fibu- 

 la to the back and lower part of the os femoris, and then are 

 joined by the posterior tibial vein, and all three unite to form 

 the femoral. 



The posterior tibial vein is a continuation of the small 

 metatarsal vein, and corresponds in size to the small metacar- 

 pal. It runs in company with the posterior tibial artery, 



