Rectal vein

Rectal Vein

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.

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