Vessel
Superior mesenteric vein
Principal small-bowel and right-colonic venous collector
High-yield
The usual SMV–splenic union forms the portal vein. Its close relation to the pancreatic neck and uncinate process makes it an important cross-sectional imaging landmark.
Overview
The SMV ascends within the mesentery, usually to the right of the SMA. It collects intestinal and neighboring gastric/pancreatic tributaries before reaching the splenic vein behind the pancreatic neck.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Forms from converging small-intestinal and right-colonic venous tributaries.
- Course
- Ascends mainly right of the SMA and anterior to the third duodenum/uncinate region, then passes behind the pancreatic neck.
- Branches
- Receives jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, colic, pancreaticoduodenal and right gastro-omental tributaries, often through variable shared trunks.
- Supplies
- Drains much of the midgut and portions of stomach and pancreas.
- Drains to
- Joins the splenic vein at the usual portal confluence.
Clinical correlation
Pancreatic tumors may contact or invade this vein. Vascular involvement is one component of resectability assessment; venous contact alone does not determine the treatment decision.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the superior mesenteric vein originate?
Forms from converging small-intestinal and right-colonic venous tributaries.
What territory does the superior mesenteric vein serve?
Drains much of the midgut and portions of stomach and pancreas.
Where does the superior mesenteric vein drain to?
The superior mesenteric vein drains to the joins the splenic vein at the usual portal confluence.
What are the branches of the superior mesenteric vein?
Receives jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, colic, pancreaticoduodenal and right gastro-omental tributaries, often through variable shared trunks.