Inferior vena cava
Vena cava inferior
CardiovascularBlood vesselsWhole body
- What it is
- The largest vein, formed at L5 by the union of the common iliac veins. It ascends to the right of the aorta, grooves the back of the liver (receiving the hepatic veins), pierces the central tendon of the diaphragm at T8 and opens into the lower right atrium.
- Function
- Returns blood from the legs, pelvis and abdomen to the heart.
- Size
- ~22–25 cm long, ~2–2.5 cm diameter.
- Clinical note
- In late pregnancy the uterus can compress it when the mother lies on her back, dropping blood pressure; filters are placed in it below the renal veins to catch leg clots.