inferior mesenteric vein


in·fe·ri·or mes·en·ter·ic vein

[TA] a continuation of the superior rectal vein at the brim of the pelvis, ascending retroperitoneally to the left of the aorta and emptying into the splenic vein or into the superior mesenteric vein or less commonly in the angle between these veins. Synonym(s): vena mesenterica inferior [TA]

inferior mesenteric vein

The vein that accompanies the inferior mesenteric artery; it drains the rectum and the sigmoid and descending colon, and it empties into the splenic vein.See also: vein