Quick Facts
Origin: Arises from within the rectus sheath.
Course: Travels inferiorly, within the rectus sheath to drain into the external iliac vein.
Tributaries: Pubic, and obturator branch of the interior epigastric vein.
Drainage: Anterior abdominal wall.
Origin
The inferior epigastric vein arises from within the rectus sheath in the superior aspect of the anterior abdominal wall. At its origin, the vein will form anastomoses with the superior epigastric vein.
Course
From its origin, the inferior epigastric vein, descends in a relatively straight course, within the rectus sheath, posterior to the rectus abdominis muscle, to drain into the external iliac vein.
Tributaries
Small tributaries of the inferior epigastric vein drain the skin around the umbilicus and anastomose with terminal branches of the umbilical vein. Additionally, the vein receives the pubic and the obturator branch the inferior epigastric vein.
Structures Drained
The muscular and cutaneous branches drain the muscles, peritoneum, aponeurosis, and skin of the anterior abdominal wall.
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Vein
A venous sinus is a vein with a thin wall of endothelium that is devoid of smooth muscle to regulate its diameter.
