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

Superior mesenteric vein

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Jana Vasković, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Hepatic portal vein [12:35]
Structure and function of the hepatic portal vein.
Superior mesenteric vein (Vena mesenterica superior)

The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is a large venous vessel located in the abdomen. It arises within the mesentery of the small intestine from the small tributaries that drain blood from the terminal ileum, caecum and vermiform appendix. It terminates by uniting with the splenic vein and forming the portal vein.

The main function of the superior mesenteric vein is to drain the blood from the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, it drains the small intestine, caecum, ascending and transverse parts of the colon, and distal parts of the stomach and greater omentum.

Key facts about the superior mesenteric vein
Drains from Union of tributaries from the terminal ileum, caecum and vermiform appendix
Tributaries Jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, right colic, middle colic, right gastroepiploic, inferior pancreaticoduodenal veins
Drains to Hepatic portal vein
Drainage area Small intestine, caecum, ascending and transverse parts of the colon, parts of the stomach and greater omentum

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

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

Origin and course

Superior mesenteric vein
Vena mesenterica superior
1/4
Synonyms: Vena mesenterica cranialis

The superior mesenteric vein is a large abdominal vein that is formed by the small terminal veins that drain the ileum, caecum and vermiform appendix. It runs superomedially, traversing the mesentery of the small intestine. Along its course, the vein accompanies the superior mesenteric artery that runs on its left side.

The superior mesenteric vein terminates at the transpyloric plane (around the lower margin of the L1 vertebra) by merging with the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein.

Tributaries and drainage area

Jejunal veins
Venae jejunales
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Synonyms: none

The superior mesenteric vein has numerous tributaries that drain the structures of the gastrointestinal tract, starting from the distal stomach to the transverse colon. These tributaries are:

  • The jejunal vein
  • The ileal vein 
  • The ileocolic vein
  • The right colic vein
  • The middle colic vein
  • The right gastroepiploic vein
  • The inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein

By collecting the blood from these veins, the superior mesenteric vein carries the nutrients absorbed in the small intestine into the hepatic portal vein. The portal vein then conveys them to the liver, which then metabolically processes those nutrients and prepares them to be distributed throughout the body.

Explore our articles, quizzes, video tutorials and labeled diagrams to learn everything about the veins and arteries of the small intestine.

Arteries and veins of the small intestine 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:

  • Superior mesenteric vein  (Vena mesenterica superior) - Begoña Rodriguez

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