vena axillaris
- noun
- /ˈviːnə ækˈsɪlɛrɪs/
- Specialized
- Obstruction of the vena axillaris can cause swelling of the entire arm.
Examples
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The catheter was inserted through the vena axillaris for central venous access.
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During surgery, the vena axillaris must be carefully identified to prevent accidental injury.
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The vena axillaris is crucial for blood circulation.
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Surgeons often examine the vena axillaris during procedures.
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During surgery, the vena axillaris must be carefully identified to prevent accidental injury.
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Obstruction of the vena axillaris can cause swelling of the entire arm.
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The catheter was inserted through the vena axillaris for central venous access.
Synonyms
A large blood vessel in the armpit that carries blood from the arm toward the heart
Surface Forms
Morphology
vena + axillaris
This is a compositional anatomical term: 'vena' = vein and 'axillaris' = relating to the axilla (armpit). If a learner knows both constituents (or recognises the adjective as the Latinate form of 'axillary/axilla'), the meaning 'vein in the armpit' follows directly. Latinate medical compounds are cross-linguistically regular, so the sense is transparent to learners who know the parts.
Etymology
Vena axillaris comes from Latin words: vena meaning 'vein' and axillaris meaning 'of the armpit'. So vena axillaris simply names the large vein that runs through the armpit, which is why the term refers to that specific vein today.