Gastroomental vein

Gastroomental Vein

The gastroomental vein.

The Gastroomental Vein (also known as the gastroepiploic vein or gastro-omental vein) is a blood vessel that drains blood from the stomach and the greater omentum, a fold of the peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach. It is part of the portal venous system, which carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Anatomy

The gastroomental vein runs from the right or left side of the greater curvature of the stomach. It is usually formed by the union of several smaller veins that drain the greater curvature and the greater omentum. The vein then travels towards the splenic vein or the superior mesenteric vein, where it drains.

Clinical significance

Because the gastroomental vein drains blood from the stomach, it can be affected by conditions that cause gastrointestinal bleeding, such as gastric ulcers or gastritis. In such cases, the vein may become enlarged or varicose, leading to further complications.

See also

• Veins of the torso
• Portal venous system
• Gastrointestinal bleeding