Quick Facts
The proximal two thirds of the transverse colon is drained by tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein, while the distal third is drained by tributaries of the inferior mesenteric vein.
Related parts of the anatomy
Description
The transverse colon has a broad and varied blood supply. Developmentally, the proximal two thirds are components of the midgut, while the remaining distal third is part of the hindgut. This developmental distinction is important in understanding the patterns of vascularization, innervation, and lymphatic drainage of the large intestine.
Venous drainage to the proximal two thirds of the transverse colon is provided by the right colic, middle colic, and ileocolic veins, which in turn, drain into the superior mesenteric vein. The distal third of the transverse colon is drained by the left colic vein, a tributary of the inferior mesenteric vein.
The superior and inferior mesenteric veins unite with the splenic vein to form the common hepatic vein, which drains blood into the portal venous system. The nutrient rich blood travels to the liver where it is processed and filtered in the sinusoids. Blood re-enters the systemic circulation via the inferior vena cava.
