Superior Mesenteric Vein

The superior mesenteric vein is a tributary of the portal circulation. It begins at the ileocecal junction and runs upward on the posterior abdominal wall within the root of the mesentery of the small intestine and on the right side of the superior mesenteric artery. It passes in front of the third part of the duodenum and behind the neck of the pancreas, where it joins the splenic vein to form the portal vein.

Superior mesenteric vein receives tributaries that correspond to the branches of the superior mesenteric artery and also receives the inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein and the right gastroepiploic vein.