Quick Facts
Origin: Arises from within the rectus sheath.
Course: Ascends within the rectus sheath to drain into the internal thoracic vein.
Tributaries: Muscular and cutaneous tributaries.
Drainage: Anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm.
Origin
The superior epigastric vein originates in the superior aspect of the rectus sheath, posterior to the rectus abdominis muscle, and forms an anastomosis with the inferior epigastric vein below.
Course
From its origin, the vein ascends within the rectus sheath, posterior to the rectus abdominis muscles, to drain into the internal thoracic vein.
Tributaries
Along its course, the superior epigastric vein receives tributaries from small muscular and cutaneous branches. At its inferior portion, it forms an anastomosis with the inferior epigastric vein.
Structures Drained
The vein drains the anterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm.
