Rectal vein

Rectal Vein

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Illustration of the rectal veins from Gray's Anatomy

The Rectal Vein is a part of the human circulatory system that drains blood from the rectum, a part of the digestive system. It is a significant component of the portal venous system, which carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Anatomy

The rectal vein is divided into three main veins: the superior, middle, and inferior rectal veins.

• The Superior Rectal Vein is the continuation of the inferior mesenteric vein, and it drains into the portal vein.
• The Middle Rectal Vein drains into the internal iliac vein.
• The Inferior Rectal Vein drains into the internal pudendal vein, which is a branch of the internal iliac vein.

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Diagram showing the superior, middle, and inferior rectal veins

Clinical Significance

The rectal veins are clinically significant as they can be involved in the development of hemorrhoids, a common condition characterized by swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus.

See Also

• Vein
• Rectum
• Hemorrhoids
• Portal venous system
• Inferior mesenteric vein
• Internal iliac vein
• Internal pudendal vein