The anterior cecal vein is a blood vessel in the large intestine. Specifically, it serves the side of the organ that features the vermiform appendix and the cecum. As a pouch, the cecum marks the beginning of the large intestine, and specifically, the ascending colon. Food enters the cecum from the small intestine, as part of the final digestive process as ingested matter is processed into feces. The anterior cecal vein drains deoxygenated blood from these areas, and it part of a venal network throughout the large intestine. Once deoxygenated blood is drained away, it must be transported through the body and to the inferior vena cava. From there, it enters the heart and is pumped to the lungs for reoxygenation. The anterior cecal vein is not the same blood vessel as the anterior cecal artery. The artery brings oxygenated blood to cecum and surrounding areas in the large intestine. This is oxygen is vital for keeping the large intestine functional and processing ingested matter.