Veins Lower Body (Female)

Superior Mesenteric Vein

The superior mesenteric vein, also known as (SMV) transports blood from the small intestine and the cecum. It follows a path similar to that of the superior mesenteric artery. The superior mesenteric vein, also known as (SMV) transports blood from the small intestine and the cecum. It follows a path similar to that of the superior mesenteric artery. This vein is located in the abdominal cavity next to the superior mesenteric artery. Where it ends, near the neck of the pancreas, it forms the hepatic portal vein by coming together with the splenic vein. Other tributaries of SMV drain other organs such as the stomach, large intestine, and appendix. Some of these include the middle colic vein, right colic vein, veins from the ileum, and veins from the jejunum. Thrombosis is the only pathologic disorder associated with this vein and it is uncommon. Thrombosis is a blood clot in a blood vessel, which leads to restricted blood flow and circulation throughout the body. Another rare condition that can be associated with the superior mesenteric vein is mesenteric ischemia. This is when the small intestine is inflamed or possibly injured due to inadequate blood supply, and this can be fatal. Source

R Colic Vein

The right colic vein drains the ascending colon, and is a tributary of the superior mesenteric vein. It travels with its corresponding artery, the right colic artery.

R Internal Pedendal Vein

The internal pudendal vein is located in the gluteal (buttock) region. It lies between the sacrospinous ligament and the sacrotuberous ligament in the buttock, and posterior to (behind) the ischial spine, which is an area of bone that sticks out of the lower part of the pelvis. The internal pudendal vein lies alongside the internal pudendal artery, which brings oxygenated blood to the same region. The pudendal nerve also lies alongside these two blood vessels and innervates the same region. The internal pudendal vein, internal pudendal artery, and pudendal nerve are bundled together by a thick sheet of tissue called the obturator internus fascia. This bundled group is called the pudendal canal. The internal pudendal vein drains oxygen-depleted blood from the perineum, which is the area between the exterior genitals and anus, and the external genitalia. The drained region includes the bulb of the penis (in males) or clitoris (in females), the anal region, and the urogenital region. Tributaries of the internal pudendal vein include the vein of the bulb (in males), the posterior labial vein (in females), the scrotal vein (in males), and the inferior rectal vein. The internal pudendal vein drains into the internal iliac vein. Despite its location, the deep dorsal vein, which drains the erectile bodies of the penis (in men), does not pass into the internal pudendal vein. Source

R Superior Gluteal Vein

The superior gluteal veins (gluteal veins) are venæ comitantes of the superior gluteal artery; they receive tributaries from the buttock corresponding with the branches of the artery, and enter the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, above the piriformis, and frequently unite before ending in the hypogastric vein (internal iliac vein).

R Internal Iliac Vein:

The internal iliac veins come from deep in the pelvic region and rise to the lower portion of the abdomen, where they join with the right and left external iliac veins and form the common iliac veins. These, in turn, merge to produce the inferior vena cava at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra. In the pelvic region, blood is carried away from organs of the reproductive, urinary, and digestive systems by vessels leading to the internal iliac veins. These veins have many interconnections that form a network (called plexuses) in the region of the rectum, urinary bladder, and prostate gland (in the male) or uterus and vagina (in the female). Source

R Common Iliac Vein

The common iliac vein (created by the union of the internal and external iliac veins) forms in the abdomen, at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebrae. It divides into two branches. The internal iliac vein supplies blood to the visceral organs in the pelvic region. The external iliac connects to the femoral veins. The internal iliac vein may double or lay lateral to the external iliac vein. Both veins join together to form the inferior vena cava. The vein receives blood from the reproductive organs. The veins form a network known as the plexuses. Plexuses are located in the anus, prostate glands, and urinary bladder in males. Plexuses are also found in the vagina and the uterus in females. The external iliac vein is located in the lower leg. The vein begins behind the inguinal ligament. The vein passes through the pelvis and ends opposite the sacroiliac articulation. The external iliac vein receives three veins: the pubic, inferior epigastric, and deep iliac circumflex veins. The internal iliac vein is the hypogastric vein. At the brim of the pelvis it joins the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein. Source

R Ovarian Vein

The ovarian vein is also known as the female gonadal vein and acts as the female equivalent of the male’s testicular vein. It is located in the ovary and comes in pairs. The ovarian vein is also known as the female gonadal vein and acts as the female equivalent of the male’s testicular vein. It is located in the ovary and comes in pairs. One of the veins is the right ovarian vein. It starts from the pampiniform plexus (a network of veins) at the hilum of the ovary (a depression where vessels and nerves connect to the ovary) and opens into the inferior vena cava. While the right vein passes through the suspensory ligament of the ovary and joins with the inferior vena cava, the left joins with the left renal vein. The main function of this paired vein is to provide blood supply to each ovary. Pathological studies show that right ovarian vein syndrome can occur during pregnancy, with patients experiencing right lumbar pains and kidney colic (a type of pain). It is caused by a congenital malposition, a problematic positioning present from birth, where the right ureter is pressed on the external iliac artery. The diagnosis is made using Intravenous urography: a test where x-rays are used to view dye injected into veins of the area. And Retrograde ureteral pyelography: a test where x-rays are used to view dye injected into the ureter, the tube through which urine moves from the kidneys to the bladder. Present treatment to overcome pain is through analgesics (pain relievers) and it may be necessary to use a double-J catheter, a kind of support tube placed into the body. Source

Anterior Cecal Vein

The anterior cecal vein is a blood vessel in the large intestine. Specifically, it serves the side of the organ that features the vermiform appendix and the cecum. As a pouch, the cecum marks the beginning of the large intestine, and specifically, the ascending colon. Food enters the cecum from the small intestine, as part of the final digestive process as ingested matter is processed into feces. The anterior cecal vein drains deoxygenated blood from these areas, and it part of a venal network throughout the large intestine. Once deoxygenated blood is drained away, it must be transported through the body and to the inferior vena cava. From there, it enters the heart and is pumped to the lungs for reoxygenation. The anterior cecal vein is not the same blood vessel as the anterior cecal artery. The artery brings oxygenated blood to cecum and surrounding areas in the large intestine. This is oxygen is vital for keeping the large intestine functional and processing ingested matter. Source

R External Iliac Vein

The external iliac vein returns deoxygenated blood from the legs back to the heart. It arises from the poplitear vein (at the knee), which then continues upward through the thigh as the femoral vein and feeds directly into the external iliac vein just behind the inguinal ligament in the lowest regions of the abdomen. Source

Posterior Cecal Vein

The posterior cecal vein is located around the cecum, which connects the large intestine and colon. The two cecal veins are located on either side of the cecum. The anterior vein is found on the front side, while the posterior cecal vein is located on the back side. These veins carry blood in need of oxygen from the cecum to superior mesenteric vein, which then carries it to liver for processing and filtering. The veins also carry blood from the appendicular vein, a branch that connects with the appendix. Source

Appendicular Vein

The appendicular vein removes oxygen-depleted blood from the appendix, which is located at the bottom of the ascending colon. As an organ, the appendix may not be as important to our body’s functioning as it once was but it is thought to be home to some bacteria that help with digestion in the large intestine. Oxygen-depleted blood from the appendix moves through the appendicular vein to the ileocolic vein. This blood continues through the venal system, eventually being reoxygenated in the lungs. The appendicular vein is not to be confused with the appendicular artery, which delivers oxygenated blood to the appendix. During surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy), both the appendicular vein and artery are tied off (or ligated). Source

R Obturator Vein

The obturator vein begins in the upper portion of the adductor region of the thigh and enters the pelvis through the upper part of the obturator foramen, in the obturator canal. It runs backward and upward on the lateral wall of the pelvis below the obturator artery, and then passes between the ureter and the hypogastric artery, to end in the hypogastric vein.

R Inferior Gluteal Vein

Inferior gluteal veins start at the top part of the back side of the thigh and help drain oxygen-depleted blood from the pelvic region. This vein is also referred to as the vena comitans or the sciatica veins of the inferior gluteal artery. The vena comitans is the Latin expression that means the “accompanying vein” and describes veins that have a close relationship with an artery, so that the pulsing of the artery also helps move blood through the vein. The inferior gluteal veins are usually paired with other veins and located on the sides of an artery. They are usually found with smaller arteries, as larger arteries typically do not have venae comitantes. The inferior gluteal veins enter into the pelvis by coming through the lower portion of the greater sciatic foramen, which is the pelvis’ major opening. After entering into the pelvis, they form a single stem that opens up into the hypogastric vein’s lower portion. The hypogastric vein is another term used for the internal iliac vein. Source

R Inferior Rectal Vein

The lower part of the external hemorrhoidal plexus is drained by the inferior rectal veins (or inferior hemorrhoidal veins) into the internal pudendal vein. The hemorrhoidal plexus is a group of veins that surrounds the rectum. It has two parts, internal and external. The inferior rectal veins are located in the external hemorrhoidal plexus. They are surrounded by loose connective tissue, so they do not get much support or constraint from the body. They are therefore less able to resist blood pressure. A varicosity of the inferior rectal veins — an abnormal swelling of these veins — is known as a hemorrhoid. The symptoms are swelling, irritation, and pain. They may protrude through the anus. Hemorrhoids often bleed, leaving bright red blood on the feces or toilet paper. Risk factors for hemorrhoids include obesity, sitting for long periods, and a low fiber diet. These varicosities in the inferior rectal veins generally resolve on their own within one to two weeks. Various medications are available that provide topical pain relief, but they do nothing for the cause of the varicosity. Doctors often prescribe high fiber diets and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery is generally reserved as a last-resort treatment option for those cases that do not heal with medication and diet changes. To avoid undue pressure on the inferior rectal veins, empty bowels soon after an urge. Source

R Middle Rectal Vein

The rectum is the end portion of the large intestine, and transports waste to the anus. The hemorrhoidal plexus — the network of veins surrounding the rectum — contains the beginning of the middle rectal veins. The veins also receive contributions from the prostate and bladder. The middle rectal veins are considered inferior veins and are part of the systemic circulation system, which is the system that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body and oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. The veins move laterally (from one side to the other) across the pelvis, ending at the internal iliac vein. The internal iliac vein contributes to the area around the base of the spine and the pelvis. The veins located in the rectum and colon that are above the rectal veins drain into the hepatic portal, which sends blood to the liver, where it is processed. However, blood drained by the middle rectal veins bypasses the liver on its way up to the heart. The heart oxygenates the blood and sends it back into the body. Source

Uterine Venous Plexus

The uterine venous plexus includes two uterine veins. These arise from the side of the uterus, where they also connect with the vaginal and ovarian plexuses. A venous plexus is a complex set of interconnected blood vessels. The two uterine veins drain into the internal iliac vein. The plexus is also structurally connected to the superior rectal vein. The veins in the plexus work by transporting oxygen-depleted blood from the uterus and carrying it back to the heart. Being a highly vascular organ, the uterus needs a functional set of blood vessels to keep the uterine tissues and muscles nourished with oxygen and other substances, such as glucose and hormones. The veins in the plexus need to collaborate with the uterine arteries to promote adequate blood circulation that will help regulate normal uterine events, such as pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause. During labor, the uterine venous plexus plays a very critical role to maintain proper circulation. As the uterine muscles contract, it is highly important that the veins within the plexus function well enough to provide blood for the uterus. Source

R Uterine Vein

The vaginal vein refers to the group of blood vessels located near the genitalia on the female human body. They are part of a network of blood vessels known as the vaginal venous plexus. The vaginal vein’s physiologic function is dependent on the plexus. Both originate from the sides of the vagina. The purpose of the vaginal vein and plexus is to direct blood flow away from the vagina and toward the heart. They facilitate proper drainage of blood from the vagina. The blood vessels work in conjunction with the venous plexuses located in the uterus, bladder, and rectum of the female body. There are a total of two vaginal veins. Each vein is located on either side of the vagina. Once the blood flows into the vaginal vein, it is then directed toward the internal iliac vein in the pelvis. The vaginal vein also delivers blood flow to the uterine vein in the uterus. Thrombosis, the medical condition in which a blood clot develops inside the blood vessel, can occur in the vaginal vein, and lead to critical hemorrhaging, or bleeding. Source

R Umbilical Vein

The umbilical vein is a vein present during fetal development that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta into the growing fetus. The umbilical vein provides convenient access to the central circulation of a neonate for restoration of blood volume and for administration of glucose and drugs. The blood pressure inside the umbilical vein is approximately 20 mmHg.

Vaginal Venous Plexus

A venous plexus is complex network of interconnected blood vessels. The vaginal venous plexus is comprised of small veins on the sides of the vagina, located near the uterine veins. Branches of this plexus communicate with the uterine and rectal venous plexuses. The vaginal plexus acts like a tributary, or a vein that drains into another vein. The vaginal plexus surrounds the bladder and contains some arteries, including the middle vesical artery and the inferior vesical artery. The vaginal venous plexus communicates with the hemorrhoidal plexus, a network of veins around the rectum, and the uterine plexus, which arises from the sides of the uterus. The hemorrhoidal network of veins is also called the rectal venous plexus. The vaginal venous plexus pushes blood into a system of internal iliac veins. These veins, located in the pelvis, unite with other veins, including the external iliac vein and the common iliac vein.

L Vaginal Vein

L Umbilical Vein

L Uterine Vein

The uterine vein refers to a group of blood vessels found near the genitalia on the female body. These veins are considered part of a network of blood vessels called the uterine venous plexus. The uterine vein facilitates the flow of blood within the plexus. The uterine plexus and uterine vein emerge from the sides of the uterus, which is where a fetus develops before birth. These veins lie in close proximity to the vagina. The functional purpose of the uterine veins and plexus is to help deliver blood flow from the uterus to the heart. Once the blood has circulated through the uterine plexus, it leaves the uterus by draining through the uterine veins. There are two uterine veins, one on either side of the uterus near the bottom of the plexus. The veins then converge with the hypogastric vein. The uterine vein also connects with the ovarian vein. The vaginal veins that stem from the vaginal venous plexus may drain into the uterine vein in some women. This blood vessel may be prone to uterine vein thrombosis, a serious medical condition in which a blood clot develops within the vessel and obstructs the flow of blood. Source

Perimuscular Rectal Plexus

The rectal venous plexus (or hemorrhoidal plexus) surrounds the rectum, and communicates in front with the vesical venous plexus in the male, and the vaginal venous plexus in the female. A free communication between the portal and systemic venous systems is established through the rectal venous plexus. It consists of two parts, an internal in the submucosa, and an external outside the muscular coat. The veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus are contained in very loose connective tissue, so that they get less support from surrounding structures than most other veins, and are less capable of resisting increased blood-pressure.

L Internal Pudendal Vein

Ileocolic Vein

The ileocolic vein is located within the digestive tract. It receives blood from the appendicular vein, and it drains oxygen-depleted blood from the ileum in the small intestine and the cecum and colon, parts of the large intestine. From there, this deoxygenated blood flows to the superior mesenteric vein, which joins with the hepatic portal vein. As part of the venal circulatory system, all deoxygenated blood flows back to the lungs and the heart, where the circulatory system both begins and ends. The ileocolic vein should not be confused with the ileocolic artery. Arteries and veins flow in opposite directions. The ileocolic artery delivers oxygen-rich blood to the ileum, cecum, and colon. Like its venal counterpart, the artery has a branch that serves the appendix. Like many other parts of the venal system, the ileocolic vein may be subject to occlusion or clots. Although this is not common in the ileocolic vein, it is hard to accurately treat when it does occur. Surgical intervention and blood-thinning medications are frequently advised treatments. Source

Inferior Mesenteric Vein

As a blood vessel, the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) drains blood away from the descending colon, rectum, and sigmoid, which are all parts of the large intestine. The IMV branches off the portal vein, which also branches into the superior mesenteric vein. The IMV also has its own branches. These include the sigmoid vein, which drains the sigmoid, and the left colic vein, which drains the descending colon. As a whole, the inferior mesenteric vein drains away deoxygenated blood from the colon, where it will eventually be returned to the right ventricle and atrium in the heart, as well as the pulmonary veins in the lungs. The descending colon is essential during the final phase of digestion. Here, any remaining substances are broken down and water is removed. The colon then processes the remaining waste products into feces, which is then moved through the sigmoid and downward toward the rectum. For this process, an ongoing supply of blood is necessary. The IMV should not be confused with the inferior mesenteric artery, which delivers oxygen-rich blood to specific areas of the large intestine. Source

Superior Rectal Vein

The superior rectal vein, or superior hemorrhoidal vein, connects veins surrounding the rectum to the inferior mesenteric vein. The inferior mesenteric vein brings blood from the large intestines to the splenic vein. Blood in the spleen travels to the liver. From the liver, blood is filtered and eventually makes its way to the heart where more oxygen is added before it continues to cycle through the body. The rectal vein is the main link between blood exiting all veins around the rectum. If the vein’s tributaries swell, they will push into the rectum, becoming internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids may cause blood to appear on the surface of the stool. Internal hemorrhoids require medical attention as they may indicate a significant medical issue. Hemorrhoids occur when pressure on rectal veins cuts blood flow. During pregnancy, the weight of the fetus affects blood flow through the vein. Cancerous growths in the rectum may block the veins. Contractions of the rectum also affect blood flow in the superior rectal vein. Source

L Common Iliac Vein

L Colic Vein

The left colic vein drains the descending colon. It is a tributary of the inferior mesenteric vein, and follows the path of its corresponding artery, the left colic artery.

Sigmoid Veins

The sigmoid vein, also called the vena sigmoideus, refers to one group of sigmoid veins. These veins are tributaries of the inferior mesenteric vein, which is a tributary of the hepatic portal vein. Each sigmoid vein is curved or crescent-shaped, like the uncial sigma (a variation of the Greek letter “sigma”), which resembles the letter “c.” These veins travel through the colon’s curved part into the rectum. The function of each sigmoid vein is to drain the sigmoid colon, the portion of the large intestine closest to the anus and rectum. The sigmoid colon, part of the digestive system, must be drained in order to properly extract salt and water from solid wastes before the body eliminates them. The inferior mesenteric vein receives each sigmoid vein from the iliac and sigmoid colons. The sigmoid vein empties into the superior rectal vein, which later turns into the inferior mesenteric vein.

L Ovarian Vein

The left ovarian vein is located in the abdominal and pelvic area and drains blood from the left ovary. The vein is found in the ligament that holds the ovary in place at the end of the fallopian tube, called the suspensory ligament of the ovary. The fallopian tubes are the tubes through which eggs travel in order to get from the ovaries to the uterus. At the top of the ovary is a bundle of vessels known as the pampiniform plexus, which is where the vein begins. It ends at the left renal vein, where blood travels from the kidney to the right atrium of the heart via the inferior vena cava for a fresh supply of oxygen. Ovarian veins, also called gonadal veins, change as a woman matures. Blood flow to the ovaries increases in order to facilitate the release of an egg into the fallopian tube. During pregnancy, the ovaries stop working because a fetus is growing, so the veins reduce blood flow accordingly. In menopause, when eggs are no longer viable, blood flow again slows and stops. Blood clots within the left ovarian vein occasionally occur. Surgery used to be considered the best option, but now many OB/GYNs prefer the use of blood thinners to reduce the clot. Source

L Internal Iliac Vein

L External Iliac Vein

L Obturator Vein

L Superior Gluteal Vein

L Inferior Gluteal Vein

L Inferior Rectal Vein

The hemorrhoidal plexus is a group of veins that surrounds the rectum. It has two parts, internal and external. The inferior rectal veins are located in the external hemorrhoidal plexus. They are surrounded by loose connective tissue, so they do not get much support or constraint from the body. They are therefore less able to resist blood pressure. A varicosity of the inferior rectal veins — an abnormal swelling of these veins — is known as a hemorrhoid. The symptoms are swelling, irritation, and pain. They may protrude through the anus. Hemorrhoids often bleed, leaving bright red blood on the feces or toilet paper. Risk factors for hemorrhoids include obesity, sitting for long periods, and a low fiber diet. These varicosities in the inferior rectal veins generally resolve on their own within one to two weeks. Various medications are available that provide topical pain relief, but they do nothing for the cause of the varicosity. Doctors often prescribe high fiber diets and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery is generally reserved as a last-resort treatment option for those cases that do not heal with medication and diet changes. To avoid undue pressure on the inferior rectal veins, empty bowels soon after an urge. Source