Paraumbilical veins
Venae paraumbilicales
- Latin eponym: Venae Sappeyi
- Eponym: Sappey's veins; Burow's veins
Definition
The paraumbilical veins are small veins which establish an anastomosis between the veins of the anterior abdominal wall and the portal, hypogastric, and iliac veins venous structures . These veins are part of the collateral circulation, particularly in conditions such as portal hypertension. They are located in the region around the umbilicus and can become prominent when there is increased pressure in the portal venous system.
Anatomically, the paraumbilical veins connect the left portal vein to the veins of the anterior abdominal wall through the falciform ligament. They can be divided into superior and inferior groups. The inferior veins typically ascend towards the liver and drain into the portal veins or the umbilical vein, while the superior veins descend and also drain into the portal veins.
These veins can form anastomoses with other venous structures such as the ensiform, deep epigastric, subcutaneous, and diaphragmatic veins, providing collateral pathways in cases of venous obstruction or portal hypertension.
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