9. Trace the splenic vein to its junction with the superior mesenteric vein and the formation of the portal vein.
The Splenic Vein
The splenic vein travels along with the splenic artery, but is more posterior to the pancreas and below the artery itself. It drains the spleen and also has branches coming from the stomach, the left gastro-omental artery and short gastrics from the fundus and upper portions of the body. As the splenic vein passes behind the pancreas it receives pancreatic branches and drains the pancreas. This specimen is partially embedded in the pancreas as can be seen. As the splenic vein passes to the right, it is joined by the inferior mesenteric vein, shown here. The splenic vein then joins the superior mesenteric vein behind the neck of the pancreas. The two veins together form a large trunk which passes into the hilum of the liver. This is the portal vein and this is the terminal drainage of all the gastrointestinal tract. Notice that it passes behind the neck of the pancreas and behind the first part of the duodenum.
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