Sources
Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web.
Submit a site - Become an editor
Wikipedia. Licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Are you an expert in this subject? Join the discussion and share your knowledge at Wikipedia.org.
Superior mesenteric vein
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Vein: Superior mesenteric vein | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
||
| The portal vein and its tributaries. The superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein. Leinal vein is an old term for splenic vein. Anatomical position. | ||
 |
||
| The pancreas and duodenum from behind. | ||
| Latin | vena mesenterica superior | |
| Gray's | subject #174 682 | |
| Drains to | hepatic portal vein | |
| Artery | superior mesenteric artery | |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | v_05/12851033 | |
In anatomy, the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is a blood vessel that drains blood from the small intestine (jejunum and ileum). At its termination behind the neck of the pancreas, the SMV combines with the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein. The SMV lies to the right of the similarly name artery, the superior mesenteric artery, which originates from the abdominal aorta.
Contents |
Tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein drain the large intestine, stomach, pancreas and appendix and include:
- Right gastro-omental vein (also known as the right gastro-epiploic vein)
- inferior pancreaticoduodenal veins
- veins from jejunum
- veins from ileum
- middle colic vein - drains the transverse colon
- right colic vein - drains the ascending colon
- ileocolic vein
Thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein is quite rare, but a significant cause of mesenteric ischemia and can be fatal. It is estimated that 10-15% of mesenteric ischemia is due to mesenteric thrombosis.
- ↑ Tessier DJ, Williams RA, Mesenteric ischemic thrombosis, eMedicine, URL: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2753.htm, Accessed July 30, 2005.
- ii/m/MESENTERIC_VEIN_SUPERIOR article at GE's Medcyclopaedia
- SUNY Labs 39:02-0102 - "Intestines and Pancreas: The Superior Mesenteric Vessels"
- SUNY Anatomy Image 8696
Blood | Heart → Aorta → Arteries → Arterioles → Capillaries → Venules → Veins → Vena cava → Heart → Pulmonary arteries → Lungs → Pulmonary vein