Vessel
Prostatic venous plexus
A pelvic venous network around the prostate
High-yield
The plexus connects penile and prostatic drainage with internal iliac veins and other pelvic networks, including vertebral venous communications.
Overview
Prostatic veins form a communicating network around the gland and join nearby vesical and pudendal drainage. The deep dorsal vein of the penis contributes to this network. Its anterior concentration is closely related to the dorsal venous complex near the prostatic apex.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Receives venous branches from prostate and urethral regions and contributions from the deep dorsal penile vein.
- Course
- Forms periprostatic channels, with prominent anterior and lateral networks near the retropubic region.
- Branches
- Communicates with vesical, pudendal and sacral/vertebral venous pathways.
- Supplies
- Drains prostatic and adjacent genital tissues through a shared pelvic venous system.
- Drains to
- Primarily empties into internal iliac veins, with collateral connections to other pelvic and vertebral networks.
Clinical correlation
These thin-walled veins can bleed during pelvic surgery. Vertebral venous connections provide a potential route for tumor dissemination, while the appearance of bone metastases reflects additional biological effects on bone remodelling.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the prostatic venous plexus originate?
Receives venous branches from prostate and urethral regions and contributions from the deep dorsal penile vein.
What territory does the prostatic venous plexus serve?
Drains prostatic and adjacent genital tissues through a shared pelvic venous system.
Where does the prostatic venous plexus drain to?
Primarily empties into internal iliac veins, with collateral connections to other pelvic and vertebral networks.
What are the branches of the prostatic venous plexus?
Branches of the prostatic venous plexus include the communicates with vesical, pudendal and sacral/vertebral venous pathways.