rectal venous plexus

Introduction

A venous plexus on the posterior & lateral walls of the rectum.

Empties into

• inferior rectal vein (caval)
• middle rectal vein (caval)
• superior rectal vein (portal)
• thus drains into both the inferior vena cava & portal vein systems

Pathology

• varicosities of this venous plexus may result in hemorrhoids

More general terms

• plexus

Additional terms

• hemorrhoids (piles)
• inferior rectal vein
• middle rectal vein
• superior rectal vein

Component of

• pelvis