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Inferior epigastric vein

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 16, 2025

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The inferior epigastric vein is a small vein located in the abdomen that carries blood from the lower abdominal region to the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.[3]

Structure

The inferior epigastric vein is a tributary of the external iliac vein, which is a branch of the inferior vena cava. [4]It is located in the lower abdominal region, just below the stomach. The vein is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the adventitia, which helps to protect and support the vein.

Location

The inferior epigastric vein is located in the lower abdominal region, just below the stomach. It is situated between the rectus abdominis muscle and the transversus abdominis muscle, and is closely associated with the inferior epigastric artery, which is a branch of the external iliac artery.[8]

Function

The inferior epigastric vein plays a crucial role in the circulation of blood in the lower abdominal region. It carries oxygen-depleted blood from the lower abdominal muscles and organs back to the heart, where it is oxygenated and returned to the rest of the body.[2]

Clinical significance

The inferior epigastric vein is not commonly the focus of medical attention, but it can be affected by certain medical conditions.[6] For example, it may be damaged during surgery or other medical procedures, leading to bleeding or other complications. In rare cases, the vein may become blocked, which can cause swelling and pain in the lower abdominal region.

In addition, the inferior epigastric vein may be used as a site for venous access during certain medical procedures. For example, it may be used to administer medications or fluids, or to draw blood samples.[1]

References

  1. Gray, H., & Standring, S. (2008). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (40th ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0443066849.
  2. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2017). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN: 978-1496347213.
  3. Netter, F. H. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy (6th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0323393225.
  4. Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., & Mitchell, A. W. M. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy for Students (4th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0323393041.
  5. Snell, R. S. (2011). Clinical Anatomy by Regions (9th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN: 978-1609134464.
  6. Hollinshead, W. H. (2013). Anatomy for Surgeons: The Thorax, Abdomen, and Pelvis (3rd ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN: 978-0397506139.
  7. Ellis, H., & Mahadevan, V. (2013). Clinical Anatomy: Applied Anatomy for Students and Junior Doctors (13th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-1444330083.
  8. Last, R. J., & Chummy, S. S. (2011). Last’s Anatomy: Regional and Applied (12th ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0702033941.