Superior mesenteric vein

The superior mesenteric vein returns the blood from the small intestine, from the cecum, and from the ascending and transverse portions of the colon.

It begins in the right iliac fossa by the union of the veins which drain the terminal part of the ileum, the cecum, and vermiform process, and ascends between the two layers of the mesentery on the right side of the superior mesenteric artery. In its upward course it passes in front of the right ureter, the inferior vena cava, the inferior part of the duodenum, and the lower portion of the head of the pancreas. Behind the neck of the pancreas it unites with the splenic vein behind the neck of the pancreas, to form the portal vein.

The superior mesenteric vein is located to the right and slightly anterior to the superior mesenteric artery.

The tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein correspond with the branches of the superior mesenteric artery:

• Jejunal veins

• Ileal veins

• Right gastroomental vein

• Veins of head of pancreas

• Pancreaticoduodenal veins

• Ileocolic vein

• Right colic vein

• Middle colic vein

The superior mesenteric vein typically presents as a single trunk, although variations such as a double superior mesenteric vein can occur.