Superior mesenteric vein

Infobox Vein
Name = PAGENAME
Latin = vena mesenterica superior
GraySubject = 174
GrayPage = 682


Caption = The portal vein and its tributaries. The superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein. "Leinal vein" is an old term for "splenic vein". Anatomical position.

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Caption2 = The pancreas and duodenum from behind.
DrainsFrom =
DrainsTo = hepatic portal vein
Artery = superior mesenteric artery
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MeshNumber =
DorlandsPre = v_05
DorlandsSuf = 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 named artery, the superior mesenteric artery, which originates from the abdominal aorta.

Branches

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

Disorders

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.ref|Tessier

References

#Tessier DJ, Williams RA, Mesenteric ischemic thrombosis, eMedicine, URL: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2753.htm, Accessed July 30, 2005.

External links

*
* - "Intestines and Pancreas: The Superior Mesenteric Vessels"
*