inferior rectal vein

The inferior rectal vein is a venous vessel that drains the lower third of the rectum and the anal canal. It is a tributary of the internal pudendal vein.

The inferior rectal vein is located in the lower rectum and anal canal region, draining into the internal pudendal vein. It runs through the ischioanal fossa to reach the pudendal vasculature.

The inferior rectal vein returns deoxygenated blood from the lower third of the rectum and anal canal to the internal pudendal vein and ultimately to the internal iliac venous system.

The inferior rectal vein may be involved in hemorrhoidal venous plexus engorgement, contributing to external hemorrhoid formation. It is also part of the portosystemic anastomosis network, which may become relevant in portal hypertension.

The inferior rectal vein is a small venous vessel running in the perianal and lower rectal tissues. It is typically not conspicuous on imaging unless dilated, such as in hemorrhoidal disease.