Superior epigastric vein

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Superior epigastric vein

The superior epigastric vein is a blood vessel that is part of the venous system of the anterior abdominal wall. It is responsible for draining blood from the upper part of the anterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm.

Anatomy

The superior epigastric vein is a continuation of the internal thoracic vein. It descends along the posterior surface of the rectus abdominis muscle, within the rectus sheath. The vein runs parallel to the superior epigastric artery, which supplies blood to the same region.

Tributaries

The superior epigastric vein receives tributaries from the musculophrenic vein, which drains the diaphragm and the lower part of the thoracic wall. It also receives small veins from the rectus abdominis muscle and the overlying skin.

Drainage

The superior epigastric vein drains into the internal thoracic vein, which subsequently drains into the brachiocephalic vein. This pathway allows deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the anterior abdominal wall to return to the heart.

Clinical Significance

The superior epigastric vein is important in surgical procedures involving the anterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm. It is also significant in the context of collateral circulation in cases of portal hypertension, where it can become engorged and form part of the caput medusae.

See Also

• Inferior epigastric vein
• Internal thoracic vein
• Rectus abdominis muscle
• Superior epigastric artery
• Venous system