The correct spelling of the word "vena mesenterica superior" can be challenging due to its complexity. It is pronounced as /vɛnə ˌmɛzənˈtɛrɪkə suːˈpɪərɪə/. The word is made up of four parts, "vena" meaning vein, "mesenterica" meaning relating to the mesentery, "superior" meaning situated above. The phonetic transcription breaks down the word into its individual sounds, indicating the correct spelling. Despite its difficult spelling, the word is essential in medical terminology and refers to the vein that drains blood from the small intestine and colon.
Vena mesenterica superior, also known as the superior mesenteric vein, is a major blood vessel located in the abdomen. Specifically, it is one of the veins responsible for draining blood from the intestines and other structures in the midgut region of the digestive system.
The vena mesenterica superior originates from an area called the jejunal and ileal veins, which are the collecting vessels draining the small intestine. It runs in close proximity to the superior mesenteric artery, which supplies blood to the same area. As it courses through the abdomen, the vena mesenterica superior receives additional tributaries, including the right colic vein and the middle colic vein, which drain the right and transverse colon, respectively.
As the vena mesenterica superior continues, it eventually merges with the splenic vein, forming a larger vein known as the portal vein. The portal vein then transports nutrient-rich blood from the abdominal organs to the liver, where important metabolic processes occur.
The vena mesenterica superior plays a crucial role in the systemic circulation of the digestive system by returning deoxygenated blood, rich in nutrients, from the intestines and other midgut structures back to the heart for reoxygenation. Its function is vital for proper digestion, absorption of nutrients, and overall gastrointestinal health.
Superior mesenteric vein, begins at the ileum in the right iliac fossa, ascends in the root of the mesentery, and unites behind the neck of the pancreas with the splenic vein to form the portal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.