The venous drainage of the ureters is very similar to the arterial blood supply. The veins accompany arteries, and all drain into the inferior vena cava (Read more!). The venous drainage of the ureters involves contributions from different venous pathways along the course of the ureters.

The upper portion of the ureter drains into the renal vein, which then carries blood to the inferior vena cava. Also, the gonadal vein (testicular or ovarian) collects venous blood from the upper and middle aspects of the ureter. The right gonadal vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava, while the left gonadal vein is a tributary of the left renal vein.
The lower part of the ureter is primarily drained by veins carrying blood to the internal iliac vein (Read more!). These veins correspond to the arteries supplying the ureter. From the internal iliac vein, blood further drains into the common iliac vein (Read more!) and then into the inferior vena cava. Additionally, in females, the ureters are often also drained via the uterine and vaginal venous plexuses.

Unlock with Premium

Venous drainage of ureters