Anatomy and Physiology of the Portal Venous System

the main portal vein is created by the

union of the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein

A junction referred to as the — is located posterior to the pancreatic neck

portal splenic confluence or portal confluence

portal splenic confluence or portal confluence consits of the

splenic vein, superior mesenteric vein, and possibly the inferior mesenteric vein

although in some individuals the inferior mesenteric vein drains into the

splenic vein

the confluence lies within the midabdomen and

collects blood from the intestines and spleen

the portal confluence is not connected directly to the

IVC.

the main portal vein travels

right lateral to the liver and enters the liver at the porta hepatis

from the porta hepatis, the main portal vein branches into

right and left portal veins, supplying blood to the respective lobes of the liver

normal flow within the portal veins should be

hepatopetal and monophasic, with some variation noted with respiratory changes and after meals

the diameter of the portal vein can vary with respiration, although typically it is less than

13 mm

the splenic vein is located

posterior to the pancreatic body and tail

other smaller vessels that contribute to the portal venous system include the

inferior mesenteric vein and the coronary vein