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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenInferior mesenteric vein
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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenInferior mesenteric vein

Inferior mesenteric vein

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Gordana Sendić, MD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Blood vessels of the rectum and anal canal. [33:21]
Arteries and veins of the rectum and anal canal.
Inferior mesenteric vein (Vena mesenterica inferior)

The inferior mesenteric vein is a large venous trunk located in the abdomen. It is a continuation of the superior anorectal vein, also referred to as the superior rectal vein. The inferior mesenteric vein is located in the retroperitoneum, coursing superiorly and towards the left side, while being accompanied by the inferior mesenteric artery.

The main function of the inferior mesenteric vein is to drain blood from the hindgut, a portion of the gastrointestinal tract that includes the structures from the distal transverse colon to the rectum. 

Key facts about the inferior mesenteric vein
Drains from Superior anorectal vein 
Tributaries Sigmoid veins, left colic vein
Drains to Splenic vein
Drainage area Rectum, sigmoid, descending and distal transverse colon

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the inferior mesenteric vein.

Contents
  1. Origin and course
  2. Tributaries and drainage area
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and course

Inferior mesenteric vein
Vena mesenterica inferior
1/5
Synonyms: Vena mesenterica caudalis

The inferior mesenteric vein arises in the lower abdomen as a continuation of the superior rectal vein that drains the rectal (hemorrhoidal) venous plexus. The inferior mesenteric vein runs retroperitoneally, ascending from its origin to the left side. Along its course, it crosses the left psoas major muscle, the left ureter and left gonadal (testicular/ovarian) vessels. Upon reaching the left side of the duodenojejunal flexure, the inferior mesenteric vein curves to the right and passes posterior to the body of the pancreas. Here, it terminates by draining into the splenic vein, which then merges with the superior mesenteric vein to form the hepatic portal vein. Occasionally, the inferior mesenteric vein may drain into the superior mesenteric vein instead, or into its confluence with the splenic vein.

Tributaries and drainage area

Sigmoid veins
Venae sigmoideae
1/3
Synonyms: none

Along its relatively long course across the abdominal cavity, the inferior mesenteric vein receives the sigmoid and left colic veins as tributaries. Thereby, the inferior splenic vein drains blood from the rectum, sigmoid, descending and distal transverse colon. Together, the superior and inferior mesenteric veins drain the majority of the gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the rectum.

Explore our articles, quizzes, video tutorials and labeled diagrams to learn everything about the blood vessels of the rectum.

Neurovasculature of the rectum and anal canal Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergmans comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • Inferior mesenteric vein  (Vena mesenterica inferior) - Begoña Rodriguez

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