Left colic vein

The left colic vein is a vein that drains the left colic flexure and descending colon. It empties into the inferior mesenteric vein. It accompanies the left colic artery.

Anatomy
The left colic vein is usually situated superior to the left colic artery, and is usually shorter than the left colic artery (due to the different positions of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein).

Origin
The left colic vein is formed by the convergence of multiple tributaries, including an ascending branch and a descending branch.

Variation
The left colic vein is sometimes doubled.