inferior vena cava (IVC)

⧼aaushi-heading-venous-drainage⧽

• the great vein of the abdomen & inferior thorax, returning blood from the lower extremities & the greater part of the pelvis & abdomen to the right atrium
• it begins at the level of the 5th lumbar vertebra on the right side by merging of the right & left common iliac veins
• it penetrates the diaphragm at the level of the 8th thoracic vertebra & empties into the posterior inferior aspect of the right atrium

Physiology

• the inspiratory collapse of the inferior vena cava has been used to signify normal central venous pressure
• the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during decent of the diaphram may have a compressive effect on the inferior vena cava

Clinical significance

• an exagerated collapse of the inferior vena cava during inspiration visualized during echocardiography suggests a volume-responsive cardiac output

More general terms

• vena cava

More specific terms

• non-collapsing inferior vena cava

Additional terms

• right atrium (RA)