Superior mesenteric vein

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Superior mesenteric vein
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The abdomen viewed from the front, showing the portal venous system, showing the superior mesenteric vein and its tributaries. (Lienal vein is an old term for splenic vein.)
Details
System Hepatic portal system
Drains to hepatic portal vein
Artery superior mesenteric artery
Identifiers
Latin vena mesenterica superior
TA98 A12.3.12.018
TA2 5113
FMA 14332
Anatomical terminology

In human anatomy, the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is a blood vessel that drains blood from the small intestine (jejunum and ileum). Behind the neck of the pancreas, the superior mesenteric vein combines with the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein. The superior mesenteric vein lies to the right of the similarly named artery, the superior mesenteric artery, which originates from the abdominal aorta.

Contents

Structure

Tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein drain the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, pancreas and appendix and include:

The superior mesenteric vein combines with the splenic vein to form the portal vein. [1] [2]

Clinical significance

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. [3]

Related Research Articles

Ileum Final section of the small intestine

The ileum is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine may be used instead of ileum. Its main function is to absorb vitamin B12, bile salts, and whatever products of digestion that were not absorbed by the jejunum.

Small intestine Organ in the gastrointestinal tract

The small intestine or small bowel is an organ in the gastrointestinal tract where most of the absorption of nutrients from food takes place. It lies between the stomach and large intestine, and receives bile and pancreatic juice through the pancreatic duct to aid in digestion. The small intestine is about 18 feet long and folds many times to fit in the abdomen. Although it is longer than the large intestine, it is called the small intestine because it is narrower in diameter.

Portal vein Short thick vein formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein

The portal vein or hepatic portal vein (HPV) is a blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen to the liver. This blood contains nutrients and toxins extracted from digested contents. Approximately 75% of total liver blood flow is through the portal vein, with the remainder coming from the hepatic artery proper. The blood leaves the liver to the heart in the hepatic veins.

Mesentery Contiguous fold of tissues that supports the intestines

The mesentery is an organ that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall in humans and is formed by the double fold of peritoneum. It helps in storing fat and allowing blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves to supply the intestines, among other functions.

Celiac artery First major branch of the abdominal aorta

The celiacartery, also known as the celiac trunk or truncus coeliacus, is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta. It is about 1.25 cm in length. Branching from the aorta at thoracic vertebra 12 (T12) in humans, it is one of three anterior/ midline branches of the abdominal aorta.

Superior mesenteric artery Artery which supplies blood to the intestines and pancreas

In human anatomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is an artery which arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just inferior to the origin of the celiac trunk, and supplies blood to the intestine from the lower part of the duodenum through two-thirds of the transverse colon, as well as the pancreas.

Inferior mesenteric artery

In human anatomy, the inferior mesenteric artery, often abbreviated as IMA, is the third main branch of the abdominal aorta and arises at the level of L3, supplying the large intestine from the distal transverse colon to the upper part of the anal canal. The regions supplied by the IMA are the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and part of the rectum.

Splenic vein Blood vessel that drains blood from the spleen, stomach and pancreas

In human anatomy, the splenic vein is a blood vessel that drains blood from the spleen, the stomach fundus and part of the pancreas. It is part of the hepatic portal system.

Marginal artery of the colon Human artery

In human anatomy, the marginal artery of the colon, also known as the marginal artery of Drummond, the artery of Drummond, and simply as the marginal artery, is an artery that connects the inferior mesenteric artery with the superior mesenteric artery. It is sometimes absent, as an anatomical variant.

Inferior mesenteric vein Vein which drains blood from the large intestine

In human anatomy, the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) is a blood vessel that drains blood from the large intestine. It usually terminates when reaching the splenic vein, which goes on to form the portal vein with the superior mesenteric vein (SMV).

Sigmoid arteries

The sigmoid arteries, two or three in number, run obliquely downward and to the left behind the peritoneum and in front of the psoas major, ureter, and internal spermatic vessels. They originate from the inferior mesenteric artery branch of the abdominal aorta.

Right colic artery Artery supplying the colon

The right colic artery is an artery of the abdomen. It is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. It supplies the ascending colon. It may be removed in a right hemicolectomy.

Middle colic artery Artery supplying the colon

The middle colic artery is an artery of the abdomen. It is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that mostly supplies the transverse colon. Parts of it may be removed in different types of hemicolectomy.

Left colic artery Artery

The left colic artery is a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery.

Ileocolic artery

The ileocolic artery is the lowest branch arising from the concavity of the superior mesenteric artery.

Colic flexures Two abrupt bends in the large intestine

In the anatomy of the human digestive tract, there are two colic flexures, or curvatures in the transverse colon. The right colic flexure is also known as the hepatic flexure, and the left colic flexure is also known as the splenic flexure. Note that "right" refers to the patient's anatomical right, which may be depicted on the left of a diagram.

Transverse colon Longest section of the large intestine

In human anatomy, the transverse colon is the longest and most movable part of the colon.

Arterial arcades

The arterial arcades are a series of anastomosing arterial arches between the arterial branches of the jejunum and ileum.

Superior mesenteric lymph nodes

The superior mesenteric lymph nodes may be divided into three principal groups:

The superior mesenteric vessels are composed of the superior mesenteric artery and the superior mesenteric vein.

References

  1. ↑ "Diagnostic angiography in hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease: Indications". Blumgart's Surgery of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas, 2-Volume Set: 392–402.e1. 2017-01-01. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-34062-5.00021-2. ISBN   9780323340625.
  2. ↑ Comar, Kevin M.; Sanyal, Arun J. (2004-01-01), "Portal Hypertension and Esophageal Varices", in Johnson, Leonard R. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Gastroenterology, New York: Elsevier, pp. 212–219, ISBN   978-0-12-386860-2 , retrieved 2021-01-24
  3. ↑ Tessier, DJ; Williams, RA (2020-12-05). "Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: Background, Anatomy, Pathophysiology" – via eMedicine.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

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