The inferior mesenteric vein begins in the rectum as the superior rectal vein (superior hemorrhoidal vein), which has its origin in the hemorrhoidal plexus, and through this plexus communicates with the middle and inferior hemorrhoidal veins.

The superior rectal vein leaves the lesser pelvis and crosses the left common iliac vessels with the superior rectal artery, and is continued upward as the inferior mesenteric vein.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 681 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

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