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Glite Dictionary
superior ophthalmic vein

superior ophthalmic vein

9.1
A vein that carries blood from the inner corner of the eye into a deep vein behind the eye
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : vena oftálmica superior
  • Did you know the superior ophthalmic vein drains into the cavernous sinus?

Examples

  • The surgeon carefully avoided the superior ophthalmic vein during the procedure to prevent bleeding.

  • A blockage in the superior ophthalmic vein can lead to serious complications affecting vision.

  • The superior ophthalmic vein is often visualized during orbital imaging studies.

  • The superior ophthalmic vein plays a crucial role in venous drainage.

  • A blockage in the superior ophthalmic vein can lead to serious complications affecting vision.

  • The superior ophthalmic vein is often visualized during orbital imaging studies.

  • The surgeon carefully avoided the superior ophthalmic vein during the procedure to prevent bleeding.

Synonyms

vena ophthalmica
vssuperior ophthalmic vein
  • Specialized
9.8

A small vein that carries blood from the eye toward the base of the skull

is a vein starting at inner eye angle and passing through superior orbital fissure
ophthalmic vein
vssuperior ophthalmic vein
  • Specialized
8.2

A vein that carries blood away from the eye into a large space near the brain

is a vein starting at inner eye angle and passing through superior orbital fissure

Surface Forms

superior ophthalmic vein singular
superior ophthalmic veins plural

Morphology

superior + ophthalmic + vein

The meaning is directly compositional: 'superior' (upper), 'ophthalmic' (of the eye), and 'vein' (blood vessel) combine in a standard modifier+noun pattern to indicate an upper vein associated with the eye. Although the term is technical, a learner who knows the three constituents can readily infer it refers to a vein in the upper/inner region of the eye, a pattern that is cross-linguistically transparent.

Etymology

Superior ophthalmic vein is a literal name: superior means 'upper', ophthalmic means 'eye', and vein is a blood vessel. So picture a small tube at the top of the eye socket that 'drains blood' from the eye, which is why the name describes that specific vein.