Middle colic vein

Middle Colic Vein

The Middle Colic Vein is a blood vessel that drains blood from the transverse colon, which is a part of the large intestine. It is a tributary of the superior mesenteric vein, which eventually drains into the portal vein.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "colic" is derived from the Greek word "kolikos," referring to the colon. The "middle" part of the name refers to the vein's position relative to the other colic veins, namely the right colic vein and the left colic vein.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The Middle Colic Vein typically arises from the transverse colon. It then travels upwards and merges with the superior mesenteric vein. This vein is part of the portal venous system, which carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The Middle Colic Vein, like other veins in the portal venous system, can be affected by various medical conditions. For instance, portal hypertension can lead to the enlargement of this vein, which can cause complications such as varices and gastrointestinal bleeding. Furthermore, the vein can be involved in colorectal cancer, as tumor cells can spread through the venous system.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

Middle colic vein Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.