Superior mesenteric vein

Vena mesenterica superior

CardiovascularBlood vesselsAbdomen

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What it is
Runs up in the root of the mesentery to the right of the superior mesenteric artery, passing in front of the third part of the duodenum and the uncinate process, to end behind the pancreatic neck by joining the splenic vein.
Function
Drains the small intestine, caecum, appendix, ascending and transverse colon into the portal vein.
Size
~1 cm diameter.
Clinical note
On CT a whirlpool of the SMV around the SMA is the sign of midgut volvulus.

Nearby cardiovascular structures Abdominal aorta, Common hepatic artery, Hepatic portal vein, Hepatic veins, Inferior mesenteric artery, Left renal artery, Left renal vein, Right renal artery, Right renal vein, Superior mesenteric artery