Portal Vein Flashcards
What vein joins the splenic vein to form the main portal vein?
Superior mesenteric vein
Who does the splenic vein join to form the main portal vein?
Superior mesenteric vein
Main portal vein divides into what two branches?
Intrahepatic right and left branches
Which portion of the portal vein branches into anterior and posterior divisions?
Right portal vein
What subdivision does the left portal vein branch of to?
Medial and lateral divisions
Which portal vein is longer and smaller than the other?
Left portal vein is longer and smaller than the right branch
Which vein courses from lateral to medial directly posterior to the pancreas?
Splenic vein
Which vein courses inferior to superior and drains the small intestine and portions of the large intestine?
Superior mesenteric vein
How much does the main portal vein measure in diameter?
13mm
What is the length of the main portal vein before it divides into right and left branches?
5-6cm
What is the function of the main portal vein and its tributaries?
Drain blood from abdominal organs and bowel, and deliver it to the liver for metabolism and detoxification
Where does the portal vein terminate?
In the liver
Why do portal veins appear distinctively brighter than the other veins?
Because of their high-collagen content and sheath covering
Where do the splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein unite in comparison to the pancreas?
Posterior to the neck of the pancreas
What makes up the portal triad?
Main portal vein, hepatic artery and common hepatic duct
