Inferior Vena Cava

Question 1

Beginning

Answer 1

Union of 2 common iliac veins at 5th lumbar vertebra behind right common iliac artery

Question 2

Course

Answer 2

Ascends to right of aorta till it pierces diaphragm central tendon opposite 8th thoracic vertebra, 1 inch to right of median plane

Question 3

End

Answer 3

By piercing diaphragm and pericardium entering right atrium lower posterior part

Question 4

Surface anatomy

Answer 4

Vertical line between point at intertubercular plane, 1 inch to right of midline and another point at right 6th sternocostal junction

Question 5

Tributaries

Answer 5

1. 2 common iliac veins
2. 3rd and 4th lumbar veins on both sides (1st and 2nd lumbar veins join ascending lumbar vein)
3. Right gonadal vein (left gonadal vein joins left renal vein)
4. Right and left renal veins
5. Right Suprarenal vein (left one joins left renal vein)
6. Right and left inferior phrenic veins (from diaphragm undersurface)
7. Right, left, and middle hepatic veins (very short and join IVC in liver back)
8. Vena azygos