Left renal vein

Left Renal Vein

The left renal vein (shown in red) in relation to other major blood vessels in the abdominal region. Image from Gray's Anatomy.

The left renal vein is a major blood vessel in the human anatomy that drains oxygen-depleted blood from the kidney and its associated structures. It is typically shorter than the right renal vein due to its direct path to the inferior vena cava.

Structure

The left renal vein originates from the hilum of the left kidney, where it drains blood from the renal cortex. It then travels anterior to the aorta and posterior to the superior mesenteric artery. The vein is unique in that it typically receives blood from the left suprarenal vein and the left gonadal vein, in addition to the renal vein tributaries.

Function

The primary function of the left renal vein is to return deoxygenated blood from the left kidney to the inferior vena cava. It also drains blood from the adrenal gland and gonads on the left side of the body.

Clinical significance

Anomalies of the left renal vein are rare but can have significant clinical implications. These include renal vein thrombosis, nutcracker syndrome, and varicocele.

See also

• Renal vein
• Renal artery
• Kidney
• Inferior vena cava