Left Gastric Vein, Anterior View

Description

Running along the lesser curvature of the stomach, the left gastric vein is shown in anterior view as it courses superiorly from the proximal body and cardia toward the esophagogastric junction. Tributary venules drain the anterior wall of the fundus and body, converging into a larger-caliber channel that lies medial to the gastric antrum and pylorus. The abdominal esophagus enters the stomach superiorly, and the first portion of the duodenum exits distally, framing the vein’s path along the lesser curvature. Portal venous anatomy matters most where it intersects endoscopy, upper GI bleeding, and hepatobiliary surgery. The left gastric vein is the principal venous conduit between the stomach and the portal system and forms a key portosystemic collateral route at the distal esophagus, where portal hypertension produces esophageal and gastric varices prone to life-threatening hemorrhage. Surgeons also track this vessel during lesser curvature dissection, lymphadenectomy, and mobilization near the hepatogastric ligament, because ligation or avulsion can obscure the operative field quickly. Bleeding here is unforgiving. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and GI block teaching to anchor the relationship between stomach regions (fundus, body, antrum, pylorus) and the venous drainage pattern along the lesser curvature. It also fits well in hepatology, endoscopy, and surgical education materials discussing portal hypertension, variceal banding landmarks at the gastroesophageal junction, and the left gastric (coronary) vein as a portal inflow target in shunt planning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.