Which vessel runs anterior to the aorta?

The left renal vein runs anterior to the aorta as it crosses over from the left side of the body to drain into the inferior vena cava on the right side. This anatomical relationship is crucial for understanding vascular anatomy and the position of major vessels in the retroperitoneal space.

In comparison to the aorta, the left renal vein typically traverses the space horizontally, positioned in front of the aorta, which can be significant during surgical procedures or imaging interpretations. This crossing occurs because the aorta is situated slightly to the left of the midline, while the inferior vena cava lies to the right.

The other vessels mentioned do not run anterior to the aorta. Understanding these relationships is essential in vascular ultrasound, especially for identifying the location of abnormalities or planning interventions.