There are parts of your body you’ve never heard of, named after people you didn’t know existed. This week: The Great Vein of Galen.
WHAT IS IT?
This vein at the base of the brain carries deoxygenated blood from the head to the heart.
WHO IS IT NAMED AFTER?
Galen of Pergamon was a doctor in the Roman Empire who treated three emperors. It was against the law to dissect bodies, so Galen made his discoveries by cutting up apes. He identified the vein during a dissection.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG?
Babies can be diagnosed with malformations of this vein. The vessel stretches and makes blood flow too rapidly towards the heart, which can lead to heart failure.
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