Corpus: Superior mesenteric vein
1. Definition
The superior mesenteric vein is a major tributary of the portal vein, responsible for draining venous, nutrient-rich blood from the small intestine, specifically the jejunum and ileum.
2. Anatomy
The superior mesenteric vein terminates behind the neck of the pancreas, where it joins the splenic vein to form the portal vein. It runs adjacent to the superior mesenteric artery on its right side.
3. Inflows
- Jejunal veins (from the jejunum)
- Ileal veins (from the ileum)
- Middle colic vein (from the transverse colon)
- Right colic vein (from the ascending colon)
- Ileocolic vein
- Inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein
- Right gastroomental vein