The left colic vein is a vein that drains the left colic flexure and descending colon.[1] It empties into the inferior mesenteric vein. It accompanies the left colic artery.[1][2]

Left colic vein
Portal vein and tributaries. (Left colic vein visible but not labeled.)
Details
Drains fromDescending colon
Drains toInferior mesenteric vein
ArteryLeft colic artery
Identifiers
Latinvena colica sinistra
TA98A12.3.12.033
TA25128
FMA15394
Anatomical terminology

Anatomy

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The left colic vein is usually situated superior to the left colic artery, and is usually shorter than the left colic artery (due to the different positions of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein).[2]

Origin

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The left colic vein is formed by the convergence of multiple tributaries, including an ascending branch and a descending branch.[2]

Variation

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The left colic vein is sometimes doubled.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "left colic vein". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
  2. ^ a b c d Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42th ed.). New York. p. 1198. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)