Hepatic veins

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The hepatic veins are visible at the top of the liver.

Details
Synonyms
Pronunciation
Carnegie stage
Days
Precursor	Vitelline veins
Gives rise to
Part of

The hepatic veins are the veins that drain de-oxygenated blood from the liver and blood cleaned by the liver (from the stomach, pancreas, small intestine, and colon) into the inferior vena cava. There are typically three large hepatic veins: the right, middle, and left hepatic veins.

Anatomy

The hepatic veins originate from the central veins of the liver lobules. They collect blood from the liver parenchyma and converge to form larger veins, eventually draining into the inferior vena cava. The right hepatic vein drains the right lobe of the liver, the middle hepatic vein drains the caudate lobe and parts of the right and left lobes, and the left hepatic vein drains the left lobe of the liver.

Function

The primary function of the hepatic veins is to return de-oxygenated blood from the liver to the heart. This blood contains metabolic byproducts and toxins that have been processed by the liver. The hepatic veins play a crucial role in maintaining the body's metabolic balance and detoxification processes.

Clinical significance

Hepatic vein obstruction can lead to a condition known as Budd-Chiari syndrome, which is characterized by abdominal pain, ascites, and liver enlargement. This condition can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention.

See also

• Portal vein
• Hepatic artery
• Liver
• Inferior vena cava
• Budd-Chiari syndrome