Quick Facts
Origin: Arises along the distal transverse colon and descending colon.
Course: Travels from left to right to join the inferior mesenteric vein.
Tributaries: Ascending and descending tributaries.
Drainage: Distal one third of transverse colon and descending colon.
Origin
The left colic vein originates along the surface of the distal one third of the transverse colon and the descending colon.
Course
The ascending and descending branches of the left colic vein converge to form the left colic vein just medial to the descending colon. The left colic vein then travels from left to right to join the inferior mesenteric vein.
Tributaries
The left colic vein receives ascending and descending tributaries.
Structures Drained
The left colic vein drains the distal third of the transverse colon and descending colon.
List of Clinical Correlates
- Left hemicolectomy
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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.
