Adrenal vein

Adrenal Vein

The adrenal veins, shown in red, drain the adrenal glands.

The Adrenal Vein is a blood vessel that drains blood from the adrenal gland into the inferior vena cava or the renal vein. It plays a crucial role in the endocrine system, carrying hormones from the adrenal glands to the rest of the body.

Anatomy

The adrenal vein is located in the abdomen, above the kidney. Each adrenal gland has one adrenal vein. The right adrenal vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava, while the left adrenal vein drains into the left renal vein.

Function

The adrenal vein carries hormones produced by the adrenal glands, including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, to the rest of the body. These hormones are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including the stress response, blood pressure regulation, and metabolism.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the adrenal vein, such as adrenal vein thrombosis or adrenal vein sampling, can lead to a variety of health problems, including Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism.

See also

• Adrenal gland
• Inferior vena cava
• Renal vein
• Endocrine system