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In human anatomy, the superior epigastric veins are two or more[1] venae comitantes which accompany either superior epigastric artery before emptying into the internal thoracic vein. They participate in the drainage of the superior surface of the diaphragm.
| Superior epigastric vein | |
|---|---|
 Superior epigastric vein, runs with the superior epigastric artery (labeled at centre right) | |
| Details | |
| Drains from | Abdominal wall and some of the diaphragm |
| Drains to | Internal thoracic vein |
| Artery | Superior epigastric artery |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | venae epigastricae superiores |
| TA98 | A12.3.04.019 |
| TA2 | 4787 |
| FMA | 70836 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Course
The superior epigastric vein originates from the internal thoracic vein.[2]: 193 The superior epigastric veins first run between the sternal margin and the costal margin of the diaphragm, then enter the rectus sheath.[3] They run inferiorly, coursing superficially to the fibrous layer forming the posterior leaflet of the rectus sheath, and deep to the rectus abdominis muscle.[4]: 211
The superior epigastric veins are venae comitantes of the superior epigastric artery,[5] and mirror its course.[3]
Distribution
The superior epigastric veins participate in the drainage of the superior surface of the diaphragm.[3]
Fate
The superior epigastric veins drain into the internal thoracic vein.[6][3]
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