Superior mesenteric v.

The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is a blood vessel that drains blood from the small intestine (jejunum and ileum). At its termination behind the neck of the pancreas, the SMV combines with the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein. The SMV lies to the right of the similarly named artery, the superior mesenteric artery, which originates from the abdominal aorta.

Tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein drain the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, pancreas and appendix and include:

• Right gastro-omental vein

• inferior pancreaticoduodenal veins

• veins from jejunum

• veins from ileum

• middle colic vein - drains the transverse colon

• right colic vein - drains the ascending colon

• ileocolic vein