Veins of the posterior thoracic wall (English)

The esophagus is drained by esophageal veins via a venous plexus which drains into the following vessels: Inferior thyroid veins: drain the upper third of the esophagus, empty into the brachiocephalic veins.Azygos venous system: drains the middle third of the esophagus, empties into the superior vena cava.Left gastric vein: drain the lower third/abdominal part of the esophagus, empties into the hepatic portal vein (anastomosis of systemic and portal venous systems occurs here).