What is "esophageal veins"

n. small veins from the esophagus emptying into the brachiocephalic vein or the azygos veins [syn: oesophageal veins, venae esophageae]

The esophageal veins drain blood from the esophagus to the azygos vein, in the thorax, and to the inferior thyroid vein in the neck. It also drains, although with less significance, to the hemiazygos vein, posterior intercostal vein and bronchial veins.

In the abdomen, some drain to the left gastric vein.