cardinal veins

car·di·nal veins

, posterior cardinal veinscommon cardinal veinsanterior cardinal veins

the major systemic venous channels in adult primitive vertebrates and in the embryos of higher vertebrates; the anterior cardinal veins are the major drainage channels from the cephalic part of the body, and the posterior cardinal veins, from the caudal part; the common cardinal veins, formed by the anastomosis of the anterior and posterior cardinal veins, are the main systemic return channels to the heart; in the older literature, sometimes called Cuvier ducts.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

car·di·nal veins

(kahr'di-năl vānz)

The major systemic venous channels in adult primitive vertebrates and in the embryos of higher vertebrates; the anterior cardinal veins are the major drainage channels from the cephalic part of the body, and the posterior cardinal veins, from the caudal part; the common cardinal veins, formed by the anastomosis of the anterior and posterior cardinal veins, are the main systemic return channels to the heart.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012