Questions: On a short-axis view of the abdominal aorta, what is the name of the vessel that drapes over the superior mesenteric artery?
A. Inferior mesenteric artery
B. Left renal vein
C. Right renal vein
D. Splenic vein
E. Right renal artery
Transcript text: On a short-axis view of the abdominal aorta, what is the name of the vessel that drapes over the superior mesenteric artery?
A. Inferior mesenteric artery
B. Left renal vein
C. Right renal vein
D. Splenic vein
E. Right renal artery
Solution
The answer is B: Left renal vein.
Explanation for each option:
A. Inferior mesenteric artery - This artery arises from the abdominal aorta below the superior mesenteric artery and supplies the large intestine. It does not drape over the superior mesenteric artery.
B. Left renal vein - This vein crosses anteriorly over the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery to drain into the inferior vena cava. Therefore, it is the correct answer.
C. Right renal vein - This vein drains the right kidney and does not cross over the superior mesenteric artery.
D. Splenic vein - This vein runs along the posterior aspect of the pancreas and joins the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein. It does not drape over the superior mesenteric artery.
E. Right renal artery - This artery arises from the abdominal aorta and supplies the right kidney. It does not drape over the superior mesenteric artery.
Summary:
The vessel that drapes over the superior mesenteric artery on a short-axis view of the abdominal aorta is the left renal vein.