Superior rectal vein

Superior rectal vein
The bloodvessels of the rectum and anus, showing the distribution and anastomosis on the posterior surface near the termination of the gut. (Labeled at top as superior hemorrhoidal vein.)
The veins of the right half of the male pelvis.
Details
Drains fromRectum
SourceHemorrhoidal plexus
Drains toInferior mesenteric vein
ArterySuperior rectal artery
Identifiers
Latinvena rectalis superior
TA98A12.3.12.035
TA25130
FMA15393
Anatomical terminology

The inferior mesenteric vein begins in the rectum as the superior rectal vein (superior hemorrhoidal vein), which has its origin in the hemorrhoidal plexus, and through this plexus communicates with the middle and inferior hemorrhoidal veins.

The superior rectal vein leaves the lesser pelvis and crosses the left common iliac vessels with the superior rectal artery, and is continued upward as the inferior mesenteric vein.