Inferior vena cava

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Description:

The inferior vena cava is the large venous counterpart to the abdominal aorta. It accompanies the aorta along the dorsal aspect of the abdominal wall and is positioned to the right of the aorta. The veins of the lower limbs and pelvis eventually drain to the common iliac veins, which anastomose to form the inferior vena cava. In the abdominal region it receives blood from the abdominal wall, the kidneys and adrenal glands, the gonads, and the gastrointestinal tract via the liver and the hepatic portal system. It terminates as it passes through the diaphragm to enter the right atrium of the heart.