Basivertebral veins

The basivertebral veins emerge from the foramina on the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies.

They are contained in large, tortuous channels in the substance of the bones, similar in every respect to those found in the diploë of the cranial bones.

They communicate through small openings on the front and sides of the bodies of the vertebræ with the anterior external vertebral plexuses, and converge behind to the principal canal, which is sometimes double toward its posterior part, and open by valved orifices into the transverse branches which unite the anterior internal vertebral plexuses.

They become greatly enlarged in advanced age.