Right gastric vein

The right gastric vein (Vena gastrica dextra) arises in the lesser curvature of the stomach, collecting blood from the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach in this region. It usually emerges from a venous plexus that is formed by smaller tributaries within the submucosal and serosal layers.

The right gastric vein then travels rightward along the lesser curvature, closely associated with the corresponding artery (Right gastric artery) and the lesser omentum (hepatogastric ligament), and follows a variable but relatively short course before draining into the portal vein or one of its main tributaries, such as the gastroduodenal vein.

Relations and Communications

• Anteriorly, the right gastric vein is related to the lesser omentum and the visceral surface of the liver.

• Posteriorly, it lies in close proximity to the lesser sac and pancreas.

• The vein has anastomotic connections with the left gastric vein (vena gastrica sinistra), and through this communication, with the esophageal venous plexus, forming part of the porto-systemic anastomoses—an important route in conditions such as portal hypertension.

In carnivores like the dog and cat, the right gastric vein is relatively small, while in large ruminants and equines, the vein may exhibit more developed and distinct tributaries, reflecting the more voluminous stomach compartments.

Termination

The right gastric vein typically empties directly into the portal vein just before its entry into the liver at the porta hepatis. However, variations may occur depending on the species:

• In dogs and cats, it usually terminates at the portal vein near its confluence with the gastroduodenal vein.

• In ruminants, particularly cattle, drainage may be directed toward the splenic vein or indirectly through the cranial mesenteric tributaries.

• In horses, where the stomach is simple but large, it follows a similar drainage pattern into the portal vein but may present with multiple smaller tributaries.