Upper rectal vein

The superior rectal vein (v. Rectalis Superior, PNA) is a branch of the internal pudendal vein that passes through the wall of the rectum and drains into the superior rectal vein. It is one of the largest veins of the small pelvis and is of great importance for the blood supply to the rectum.

The superior rectal vein begins from the internal pudendal vein at the level of the sacrococcygeal joint. It passes through the rectum and crosses its anterior wall, where it can be subjected to compression by neighboring organs. In the lower part of the rectum, the vein divides into two branches called the external and internal rectal veins. The external rectal veins drain blood from the rectum into the superior rectal and external pudendal veins. The internal rectal veins drain into the inferior rectal and internal pudendal veins, providing blood supply to the rectum.