Inferior Vena Cava

The inferior vena cava is a large vein located mainly in the abdomen, originating from the union of the two common iliac veins and opening into the right atrium. The inferior vena cava consists of an abdominal portion and a short thoracic portion. In adults, it is 22 cm long, with the abdominal portion measuring 20 cm. The average diameter is 22 mm. It has two successive bulges, the renal sinus and the hepatic sinus, at the junction of the renal and hepatic veins. The inferior vena cava receives several collateral branches along its abdominal course. In addition to the five pairs of lumbar veins, it receives in succession:The two renal veins;The right adrenal vein;The right testicular vein (in men) or right ovarian vein (in women);The accessory hepatic veins;The three hepatic veins;The two inferior phrenic veins.