pulmonary vein (left inferior, anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The left inferior pulmonary vein drains the territory of the lower lobe of the left lung. The segmental veins merge distal to the left hilum and then pass superomedially to form the most inferior structure within it.

Within the root of the lung, the pulmonary vein passes medially and inferior to both the left pulmonary artery and left main bronchus. It merges with the pericardium to join the posterior border of the left atrium inferior to the point of insertion of the left superior pulmonary vein.