Vesical Venous Plexus
Vesical venous plexus drains bladder venous blood into the internal iliac veins.
The vesical venous plexus is a complex network of interconnected veins located around the urinary bladder. It plays a central role in draining venous blood from the bladder and surrounding pelvic structures. The plexus is especially prominent in males, where it communicates with the prostatic and rectal venous plexuses, and in females, where it communicates with the uterovaginal plexus. Due to its connections with systemic and portal systems, the vesical venous plexus is also a potential route for the spread of pelvic infections or malignancies.
Structure
The vesical venous plexus consists of an intricate web of thin-walled, valveless veins. These veins form an extensive anastomotic network around the inferolateral surfaces and base of the urinary bladder. The plexus surrounds the bladder's neck and expands into surrounding connective tissue within the endopelvic fascia.
- Components: Numerous small veins interconnected around the bladder wall
- Valves: Largely absent, allowing bidirectional flow
- Communications: Connected to prostatic (in males), uterovaginal (in females), rectal, and pudendal venous plexuses
Location
The vesical venous plexus lies in the perivesical fat surrounding the base and inferolateral surfaces of the urinary bladder. It is situated within the pelvic cavity and is embedded in the loose connective tissue of the endopelvic fascia.
| Direction | Related Structure |
|---|---|
| Anterior | Pubic symphysis (via retropubic space) |
| Posterior (male) | Prostatic venous plexus |
| Posterior (female) | Uterovaginal venous plexus |
| Lateral | Pelvic walls and obturator internus muscle |
| Inferior | Drains toward internal iliac veins |
Function
- Venous Drainage: Drains deoxygenated blood from the urinary bladder into the internal iliac vein via vesical veins
- Pressure Regulation: Assists in managing pressure changes during bladder filling and voiding
- Collateral Circulation: Serves as an anastomotic bridge between pelvic venous networks, including prostatic/uterovaginal and rectal plexuses
Drainage Pathway
- Vesical venous plexus → Vesical veins → Internal iliac vein → Common iliac vein → Inferior vena cava
Lymphatic Drainage
- External and internal iliac lymph nodes
Clinical Significance
- Bladder Cancer Spread: The valveless nature permits retrograde flow and possible metastatic spread
- Venous Congestion: May occur with pelvic masses or venous obstruction
- Surgical Bleeding Risk: Injury to the plexus during pelvic surgery (e.g., prostatectomy or cystectomy) can cause significant bleeding
Last updated on May 11, 2025
