The left gastric vein (or coronary vein) is a vein that derives from tributaries draining the

lesser curvature The curvatures of the stomach refer to the greater and lesser curvatures. The greater curvature of the stomach is four or five times as long as the lesser curvature. Greater curvature The greater curvature of the stomach forms the lower left ...

of the

stomach The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many other animals, including several invertebrates. The stomach has a dilated structure and functions as a vital organ in the digestive system. The stomach i ...

Structure

The left gastric vein runs from right to left along the

of the

. It passes to the esophageal opening of the stomach, where it receives some

esophageal vein The esophageal veins drain blood from the esophagus to the azygos vein, in the thorax, and to the inferior thyroid vein in the neck. It also drains, although with less significance, to the hemiazygos vein, posterior intercostal vein and bronchial ...

s. It then turns backward and passes from left to right behind the

omental bursa The lesser sac, also known as the omental bursa, is a part of the peritoneal cavity that is formed by the lesser and greater omentum. Usually found in mammals, it is connected with the greater sac via the omental foramen or ''Foramen of Winsl ...

. It drains into the portal vein near the superior border of the

pancreas The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. In humans, it is located in the abdomen behind the stomach and functions as a gland. The pancreas is a mixed or heterocrine gland, i.e. it has both an end ...

Function

The left gastric vein drains

deoxygenated blood Blood is a body fluid in the circulatory system of humans and other vertebrates that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells, and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells. Blood in the c ...

from the lesser curvature of the stomach. It also acts as collaterals between the portal vein and the systemic venous system of the lower esophagus ( azygous vein).

Clinical significance

Esophageal and paraesophageal varices are supplied primarily by the left gastric vein (due to flow reversal) and typically drain into the azygos/ hemiazygos venous system.Siegelman, E.: "Body MRI", page 47. Saunders, 2004

References

External links

* () Veins of the torso Stomach {{circulatory-stub

Structure

Function

Clinical significance

See also

References

External links