Vessel
Inferior vena cava
Main venous return from below the diaphragm
High-yield
Its usual formation is near L5, where the common iliac veins meet; its diaphragmatic opening is near T8. Left gonadal blood normally joins the left renal vein before reaching the cava.
Overview
The inferior vena cava receives venous blood from the lower limbs, pelvis and abdominal structures and returns it to the right atrium. It lies to the right of the aorta and crosses the diaphragm through the central tendon.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually begins where the right and left common iliac veins unite near L5.
- Course
- Ascends on the aorta's right, traverses the central tendon near T8 and enters the right atrium.
- Branches
- Tributaries include renal, hepatic, lumbar, right gonadal and right suprarenal veins; left-sided arrangements differ.
- Drains to
- Returns lower-body and abdominal venous blood to the right atrium.
Clinical correlation
The enlarging uterus can compress the cava when a pregnant person lies supine, reducing venous return. Other abdominal masses or thrombosis can also obstruct this major outflow route.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the inferior vena cava originate?
Usually begins where the right and left common iliac veins unite near L5.
Where does the inferior vena cava drain to?
The inferior vena cava drains to the returns lower-body and abdominal venous blood to the right atrium.
What are the tributaries of the inferior vena cava?
Tributaries include renal, hepatic, lumbar, right gonadal and right suprarenal veins; left-sided arrangements differ.
What is the course of the inferior vena cava?
Ascends on the aorta's right, traverses the central tendon near T8 and enters the right atrium.