Hemorrhoidal plexus

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Template:Infobox Vein Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]



The hemorrhoidal plexus (or rectal venous plexus) surrounds the rectum, and communicates in front with the vesical plexus in the male, and the uterovaginal plexus in the female.

A free communication between the portal and systemic venous systems is established through the hemorrhoidal plexus.

Parts

It consists of two parts, an internal in the submucosa, and an external outside the muscular coat.

Internal plexus

The internal plexus presents a series of dilated pouches which are arranged in a circle around the tube, immediately above the anal orifice, and are connected by transverse branches.

External plexus

Support

The veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus are contained in very loose, connective tissue, so that they get less support from surrounding structures than most other veins, and are less capable of resisting increased blood-pressure.


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