superior mesenteric vein


su·pe·ri·or mes·en·ter·ic vein

[TA] begins at the ileum in the right iliac fossa, ascends in the root of the mesentery, and unites behind the pancreas with the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein. Synonym(s): vena mesenterica superior [TA]

superior mesenteric vein

The vein that accompanies the superior mesenteric artery and drains the small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon. Under the neck of the pancreas, the superior mesenteric vein joins the splenic vein to form the portal vein. Tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein include the jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, right and middle colic, right gastroepiploic, and pancreaticoduodenal veins. See also: vein