Inferior Vena Cava

• Starts by the union of Common Iliac veins at the level of L5

• Ends above the diaphragm by draining into right atrium

• Course and relationships

  • Retro peritoneal

  • Anterior to vertebrae

  • Right of abdominal aorta

  • Right Renal artery crosses posteriorly

• Relationship

  • Anterior

    • Right common Iliac artery

    • Horizontal part of Duodenum

    • Head of Pancreas

    • Liver

  • Posterior

    • Vertebrae

    • Right Psoas

    • Right crus of Diaphragm

  • Right

    • Right Ureter

    • Medial border of right Kidney

    • Right lobe of Liver

  • Left

    • Aorta

    • Left crus of Diaphragm

• It is joined by

  • Renal veins

  • Hepatic veins

  • Right Gonadal vein

  • Right suprarenal vein

  • Right Inferior phrenic vein

• Drains structures below diaphragm

  • Lower extremities

  • Abdomen and Pelvis

  • Genitals