Anatomy
Summary
The portal vein brings blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver for processing. The portal vein is formed by the confluence of the splenic vein and the superior mesenteric vein. In addition, the left gastric vein drains directly into the portal vein. The portal vein, proper hepatic artery, and common bile duct collectively form the portal triad which travels through the hepatoduodenal ligament in the porta hepatis.
The venous drainage of the abdomen is different from the arterial supply. The splenic vein drains the spleen, as well as the gastric fundus via the short gastric veins. The splenic vein also handles drainage from the inferior mesenteric vein, which drains the left colon from the splenic flexure to the upper one-third of the rectum (superior rectal vein). The superior mesenteric vein handles most drainage from the pancreaticoduodenal veins and right gastroepiploic vein. The pancreaticoduodenal veins drain from the pancreas and duodenum, while the right gastroepiploic vein drains from the greater curvature of the stomach. The superior mesenteric vein also drains the small intestine, ileocecal junction, cecum, and ascending and transverse colon via mesenteric venous arcades.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
The portal venous system is a major venous pathway that drains blood from the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and spleen to the liver through the portal vein.
The proper hepatic artery, portal vein, and common bile duct form the portal triad, which travels through the hepatoduodenal ligament in the porta hepatis.
The splenic vein drains the spleen. It also handles drainage from the inferior mesenteric vein, which drains the left colon from the splenic flexure to the upper one-third of the rectum (via the superior rectal vein). The splenic vein drains the gastric fundus as well via the short gastric veins.
The superior mesenteric vein handles drainage from the pancreas, duodenum, and greater curvature of the stomach. It also handles drainage from the small intestine, ileocecal junction, cecum, and ascending and transverse colon.
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