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Superior mesenteric vein

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Drains to
  
hepatic portal vein

TA
  
A12.3.12.018

Dorlands /Elsevier
  
v_05/12851033

FMA
  
14332

Superior mesenteric vein

Artery
  
superior mesenteric artery

Latin
  
vena mesenterica superior

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 anatomical right of the similarly named artery, the superior mesenteric artery, which originates from the abdominal aorta.

Contents

Tributaries

Tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein drain the small intestine, 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.[1]

    References

    Superior mesenteric vein Wikipedia