Which vein contributes to the indirect drainage of the stomach through the portal vein?

The left gastroepiploic vein plays a significant role in the venous drainage of the stomach, specifically in what is known as indirect drainage through the portal vein. This vein drains blood from the greater curvature of the stomach and ultimately empties into the splenic vein. The splenic vein then merges with the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein, which is responsible for transporting blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver for processing.

Understanding the anatomy of the venous system related to gastric drainage is crucial. The left gastroepiploic vein’s course and drainage route underscore its contribution to the portal circulation, thereby connecting the stomach’s venous drainage to the liver’s metabolic functions.

In contrast, the right gastroepiploic vein and the mesenteric veins have different drainage paths and typically do not contribute directly to the portal vein like the left gastroepiploic vein does. This emphasizes the unique role that the left gastroepiploic vein plays in the context of gastric venous drainage.