Jejunal veins

Jejunal Veins

Diagram of the mesenteric veins, including the jejunal veins.

The jejunal veins are a group of veins that drain the jejunum, which is a part of the small intestine. These veins are part of the venous system that returns deoxygenated blood from the intestines to the heart.

Anatomy

The jejunal veins are located in the mesentery, which is the fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall. They run parallel to the jejunal arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the jejunum.

The jejunal veins collect blood from the jejunum and drain into the superior mesenteric vein. The superior mesenteric vein is a major vein that drains blood from the small intestine, as well as parts of the large intestine, and it eventually joins with the splenic vein to form the portal vein.

Function

The primary function of the jejunal veins is to transport deoxygenated blood from the jejunum to the liver via the portal vein. This blood contains nutrients absorbed from the digested food in the jejunum, which are then processed by the liver.

Clinical Significance

The jejunal veins, like other veins in the gastrointestinal tract, can be involved in various medical conditions. For example, portal hypertension, which is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system, can affect the flow of blood through the jejunal veins. This condition can lead to complications such as varices and ascites.

Additionally, the jejunal veins can be involved in mesenteric ischemia, a condition where there is a reduction of blood flow to the intestines, which can lead to tissue damage.

Related Pages

• Jejunum
• Superior mesenteric vein
• Portal vein
• Mesentery
• Small intestine