Ileocolic vein

Ileocolic vein

The Ileocolic vein is a vein located in the abdomen that drains blood from the ileum and the colon. It is a part of the portal venous system, which carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Anatomy

The ileocolic vein begins in the mesentery of the ileum and the cecum. It ascends to the right of the abdominal aorta and joins the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein. The ileocolic vein is usually accompanied by the ileocolic artery, which runs parallel to it.

Function

The primary function of the ileocolic vein is to drain deoxygenated blood and various other substances from the ileum and the colon. These substances include nutrients, hormones, and waste products. The blood is then transported to the liver for processing.

Clinical significance

The ileocolic vein can be involved in various medical conditions. For example, thrombosis of the ileocolic vein can lead to ischemia of the ileum and the colon. This can cause severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications. Furthermore, the ileocolic vein can be affected by portal hypertension, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the portal venous system.

See also

• Vein
• Ileum
• Colon
• Portal venous system
• Liver
• Abdomen
• Superior mesenteric vein
• Portal vein
• Ileocolic artery
• Mesentery
• Cecum
• Abdominal aorta
• Thrombosis
• Ischemia
• Portal hypertension

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