Which veins drain the anorectal region?

• A. Aortocaval veins
• B. Anorectal veins
• C. Vesical veins
• D. Iliac veins

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the specific venous drainage of the anorectal region, which occurs through the anorectal venous plexus. Blood from the rectum and anal canal drains along two main routes: the superior rectal veins go up to the inferior mesenteric vein and then into the portal system, while the middle and inferior rectal veins drain into the internal iliac veins and into the systemic circulation. This dual pattern is why the region is described by its own venous network—the anorectal veins. The other options don’t describe these drainage pathways: aortocaval isn’t a standard drainage vessel, vesical veins drain the bladder, and iliac veins are a broader pelvic drainage route not specific to the anorectal network.