Right gastroepiploic vein

Right Gastroepiploic Vein

The Right Gastroepiploic Vein is a blood vessel that drains blood from the stomach and the greater omentum, a large fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach. It is a counterpart to the right gastroepiploic artery.

Etymology

The term "gastroepiploic" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" meaning stomach and "epiploon" meaning omentum. The "right" in its name refers to its position relative to the body's midline when viewed from the front.

Anatomy

The right gastroepiploic vein begins at the greater curvature of the stomach, where it is formed by the union of several smaller veins. It runs along the greater curvature, receiving tributaries from the anterior and posterior surfaces of the stomach and the greater omentum. It then turns to the right, passes behind the first part of the duodenum, and ends in the superior mesenteric vein.

Function

The primary function of the right gastroepiploic vein is to drain deoxygenated blood and waste products from the stomach and the greater omentum. This blood is then transported to the liver for detoxification and processing via the portal venous system.

Clinical Significance

The right gastroepiploic vein may be involved in several pathological conditions. For instance, it can be affected by varices, which are abnormally dilated veins that can rupture and bleed. It may also be used as a graft in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Related Terms

• Gastroepiploic arteries
• Greater omentum
• Superior mesenteric vein
• Portal venous system
• Coronary artery bypass surgery

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