Ileal vein

Ileal Vein

The ileal vein as part of the Portal venous system.

The Ileal vein is a blood vessel that drains blood from the ileum part of the small intestine. It is a branch of the superior mesenteric vein, which eventually forms the portal vein that carries blood to the liver.

Anatomy

The ileal veins are located in the mesentery of the ileum. They follow the course of the ileal arteries, which supply blood to the ileum. The ileal veins drain into the superior mesenteric vein, which combines with the splenic vein to form the portal vein.

Function

The primary function of the ileal vein is to drain deoxygenated blood and waste products from the ileum. This blood is then transported to the liver for detoxification and processing.

Clinical significance

Understanding the anatomy of the ileal vein is important in several clinical scenarios, including surgery of the small intestine, radiology studies of the abdomen, and in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as portal hypertension and mesenteric ischemia.

See also

• Vein
• Ileum
• Superior mesenteric vein
• Portal vein