Also called: IVC
The inferior vena cava is the largest vein of the body. It forms at L5 from the union of the common iliac veins and ascends along the right side of the abdominal aorta, receiving renal and hepatic veins, and passes through the diaphragm at T8 to enter the right atrium. It returns blood from the lower body.
| Location | Retroperitoneal, right of the aorta, passing behind the liver and through the diaphragm at T8. |
|---|---|
| Structure | Formed by the common iliac veins; tributaries include lumbar, gonadal, renal, suprarenal, inferior phrenic and hepatic veins. |
| Function | Returns deoxygenated blood from the abdomen, pelvis and lower limbs to the heart. |
| Blood supply | Vasa vasorum. |
| Innervation | Sympathetic plexus fibres. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
The IVC passes through the caval opening of the diaphragm, which contracts and widens during inspiration to increase venous return.
At the caval opening at the level of T8.
Common iliac, lumbar, gonadal, renal, suprarenal, inferior phrenic and hepatic veins.
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