Inferior rectal veins

The lower part of the external hemorrhoidal plexus is drained by the inferior rectal veins (or inferior hemorrhoidal veins) into the internal pudendal vein.

Inferior rectal veins
Scheme of the anastomosis of the veins of the rectum
Details
Drains from	Rectum
Drains to	Internal pudendal vein
Artery	Inferior rectal artery
Identifiers
Latin	venae rectales inferiores
TA98	A12.3.10.021
TA2	5033
FMA	70913
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Veins superior to the middle rectal vein in the colon and rectum drain via the portal system to the liver. Veins inferior, and including, the middle rectal vein drain into systemic circulation and are returned to the heart, bypassing the liver.^[1]

Pathologies involving the Inferior rectal veins may cause lower GI bleeding. Depending on the degree of inflammation, they are given a grade level ranging from 1 through 4.

Additional images

• 
  The perineum. The integument and superficial layer of superficial fascia reflected.

References

1. van Hoogdalem, Edward; de Boer, Albertus G.; Breimer, Douwe D. (July 1991). "Pharmacokinetics of rectal drug administration, Part I. General considerations and clinical applications of centrally acting drugs". Clinical Pharmacokinetics. 21 (1): 14. doi:10.2165/00003088-199121010-00002. ISSN 0312-5963. Retrieved 18 March 2024. The superior rectal vein, perfusing the upper part of the rectum, drains into the portal vein and subsequently into the liver On the other hand, the middle and inferior rectal veins drain the lower part of the rectum and venous blood is returned to the inferior vena cava.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 676 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)