Splenic vein

Vena splenica (lienalis)

CardiovascularBlood vesselsAbdomenLeft side

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What it is
Leaves the hilum of the spleen and runs to the right in a groove on the back of the body of the pancreas, below the splenic artery, to join the superior mesenteric vein behind the pancreatic neck. It receives the inferior mesenteric vein.
Function
Drains the spleen, pancreas and part of the stomach into the portal system.
Size
~1 cm diameter.
Clinical note
Pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer can cause it to clot, producing isolated gastric varices.

Nearby cardiovascular structures Abdominal aorta, Coeliac trunk, Common hepatic artery, Hepatic portal vein, Left gastric artery, Left renal artery, Left renal vein, Right renal artery, Splenic artery, Superior mesenteric artery