Short gastric veins

Short gastric veins are small blood vessels that drain blood from the stomach's fundus and upper part of the greater curvature, and deliver it into the splenic vein. They are typically four or five in number, but the exact number can vary.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "gastric" is derived from the Greek word "gaster," which means stomach. The term "vein" comes from the Latin word "vena," which means blood vessel. The term "short" is used to differentiate these veins from other, longer veins that also serve the stomach.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The short gastric veins arise from the upper part of the greater curvature and the fundus of the stomach. They follow a tortuous course to the spleen, where they drain into the splenic vein. The splenic vein then joins with the superior mesenteric vein to form the hepatic portal vein, which carries blood to the liver.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Because the short gastric veins drain blood from the stomach, they can be involved in various stomach-related conditions. For example, they can become enlarged and varicose in cases of portal hypertension, a condition characterized by increased blood pressure within the portal venous system. This can lead to gastroesophageal varices, which are prone to bleeding and can be life-threatening.

Related terms[edit | edit source]

Gastric veins: These are veins that drain blood from the stomach. The short gastric veins are a type of gastric vein.
Splenic vein: This is the vein into which the short gastric veins drain.
Portal hypertension: This is a condition that can affect the short gastric veins, causing them to become enlarged and varicose.

See also[edit | edit source]

Short gastric veins Resources
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