Vesical venous plexus

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Vesical venous plexus

The vesical venous plexus is a network of veins located in the pelvis, specifically surrounding the urinary bladder. This venous plexus is part of the pelvic venous system and plays a crucial role in the drainage of blood from the bladder and adjacent structures.

Anatomy

The vesical venous plexus is situated around the base and sides of the urinary bladder. It receives blood from the bladder via the vesical veins, which are tributaries of the plexus. The plexus also communicates with the prostatic venous plexus in males and the uterovaginal venous plexus in females.

Connections

The vesical venous plexus drains into the internal iliac veins, which are major veins in the pelvis. From the internal iliac veins, blood is transported to the common iliac veins and then to the inferior vena cava, eventually returning to the heart.

Clinical Significance

The vesical venous plexus can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, it can become engorged or varicose, leading to complications such as hematuria (blood in the urine). Additionally, the plexus can be a site for the spread of pelvic infections or cancer.

Related Structures

• Urinary bladder
• Vesical arteries
• Prostatic venous plexus
• Uterovaginal venous plexus
• Internal iliac veins
• Common iliac veins
• Inferior vena cava

See Also

• Pelvic venous system
• Urinary system
• Venous system