Splenic vein

The splenic vein drains the spleen, part of the pancreas, and part of the stomach.

Gross anatomy

Origin and course

The splenic vein is formed by splenic tributaries emerging at the splenic hilum in the splenorenal ligament at the tip of the tail of pancreas. It runs in the splenorenal ligament in close association with the splenic artery.

Behind the neck of the pancreas, it confluences with the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein.

Relations
Tributaries

Related pathology

The splenic vein is a site of porto-systemic anastomoses via the splenorenal shunt.