324 THE SPLENIC VEIN. 



branches to the gall-bladder, the stomach and pylorus, and the 

 duodenum. At the upper and posterior edge of the pancreas, 

 it sends off a very large branch to the spleen, which passes, with 

 slight meanders, along a groove in the pancreas. 



The Splenic Vein 



Often sends off the Inferior Mesenteric vein, which proceeds 

 downwards between the aorta and the left portion of the colon. 

 It also sends off some of the coronary veins and the left gastro- 

 epiploic vein to the stomach ; many small branches to the pan- 

 creas ; and, finally, either from the main trunk or its branches, 

 before they enter the spleen, the venae breves, which pass to the 

 great extremity of the stomach. Before it enters the spleen, it 

 forms several ramifications, which accompany the branches of 

 the splenic artery. 



After sending off the splenic, the Ve7ia Portarum takes the 

 name of 



The Superior Mesenteric Vein, 



Which is larger than the splenic and passes from behind the 

 pancreas, before the transverse portion of the duodenum, into 

 the mesentery ; where it accompanies the superior mesenteric 

 artery. 



It is evident that the above described portion of the vena 

 portarum simply performs the functions of a great vein ; but 

 when it takes on the arrangements for entering the liver, it no 

 longer acts like a vein, but an artery. 



The lower portion of the trunk of this vein and its ramifica- 

 tions is denominated Vena Porta. Ventralis. The part which 

 ramifies in the liver. Vena Porta Hepatica. 



The Capsular Veins 



Are small vessels, one on each side. That on the right passes 

 from the vena cava to the right glandula renalis. That on the 

 left arises from the left emulgent vein. 



