superior rectal vein

Introduction

One of a pair of veins on either side draining most of the rectal venous plexus. It ascends between the layers of the mesorectum to the brim of the pelvis to become the inferior mesenteric vein.

As a tributary of the portal venous system, it forms portocaval anastomoses with the middle & inferior rectal veins via the rectal venous plexus.

More general terms

• vein

Additional terms

• inferior mesenteric vein
• rectal venous plexus