Chapter 7 Abdominal IVC Flashcards
What is the IVC?
the largest vein of the body
What does the IVC carry blood from?
the lower limbs, pelvic organs, abdominal viscera, and abdominal wall
How is the IVC formed?
by the union of the common iliac veins
Where is the IVC located?
it starts at the level of the L5 and courses superiorly through the abdomen to the right of the aorta
Where are the inferior phrenic veins located?
they extend from the inferior surface of the diaphragm
Where does the left inferior phrenic vein drain to?
either the left suprarenal vein, left renal vein, or the IVC
Where does the right inferior phrenic vein drain to?
directly into the IVC
Where are the lumbar veins located?
at the L1-L4 levels
Where do the lumbar veins drain to?
the left common iliac vein, the junction of the common iliac veins
Where are the gonadal veins located?
they ascend the abdomen along the psoas muscle, anterior to the uterus
What are the female gonadal veins called?
ovarian veins
What are the male gonadal veins called?
testicular veins
Where does the right gonadal vein drain to?
it enters the anterolateral wall of the IVC just below the opening for the right renal vein
Where does the left gonadal vein drain to?
it empties directly into the left renal vein
Where are the renal veins located?
pass anteriorly to the renal arteries
