The left renal vein is longer than the right renal vein and crosses anterior to the abdominal aorta. Which veins typically drain into the left renal vein?

• A Right gonadal vein and right suprarenal vein
• B Hepatic veins and left gonadal vein
• C Inferior phrenic vein and right gonadal vein
• D Left gonadal vein and left suprarenal vein ✓

Explanation

The left renal vein receives the left gonadal vein (left testicular/ovarian vein) and the left suprarenal vein before crossing anterior to the aorta to drain into the IVC. The right gonadal and right suprarenal veins drain directly into the IVC. This anatomical asymmetry explains why left-sided varicocele is more common.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.