Inferior vena cava

Inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the human body. It carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. The IVC is formed by the joining of the left and right common iliac veins and ends in the right atrium of the heart.

Structure

The IVC is a large, valveless, venous trunk that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the heart. It is formed by the union of the right and left common iliac veins, usually at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

Function

The IVC returns deoxygenated blood from the circulatory system back to the heart. The blood is then pumped by the heart to the lungs for oxygenation before being returned to the systemic circulation.

Clinical significance

The IVC is a critical structure in the circulatory system and its dysfunction can lead to significant medical conditions. These include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS).

See also

• Superior vena cava
• Heart
• Circulatory system
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Inferior vena cava syndrome

References

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  Diagram of the inferior vena cava and surrounding structures

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  Major veins of the human body, including the inferior vena cava

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  Illustration of the inferior vena cava

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  Inferior vena cava

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  Inferior vena cava filter

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  3D medical animation of an inferior vena cava filter