Full Answer
Where does the IVC enter the right atrium?
The IVC enters the right atrium inferior to the entrance of the superior vena cava (SVC). The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a large retroperitoneal vessel formed by the confluence of the right and left common iliac veins.
Where is the inferior vena cava (IVC) located?
It is located at the posterior abdominal wall on the right side of the aorta. The IVC’s function is to carry the venous blood from the lower limbs and abdominopelvic region to the heart. The inferior vena cava anatomy is essential due to the vein’s great drainage area, which also makes it a hot topic for anatomy exams.
What is the function of the IVC?
The IVC lies along the right anterolateral aspect of the vertebral column and passes through the central tendon of the diaphragm around the T8 vertebral level. The IVC is a large blood vessel responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the lower extremities and abdomen back to the right atrium of the heart.
What are the specific anatomical levels of the veins of the IVC?
The specific anatomical levels of the branches connected to the IVC are listed below: Hepatic veins (T8) Inferior phrenic vein (T8) Right suprarenal vein (L1) Renal veins (L1)
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What is the function of the IVC?
The IVC’s function is to convey the blood from the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs to the right atrium of the heart. Additional IVC functions are noticeable during some health disturbances, such as hepatic portal vein obstruction or the obstruction of the IVC itself.
Where does the IVC enter the thorax?
After passing through its fossa on the posterior liver surface, the IVC enters the thorax by traversing the inferior vena caval foramen of the diaphragm . The tributaries of the IVC correspond to the branches of the abdominal aorta.
What is the thrombosis of the inferior vena cava?
Thrombosis of the inferior vena cava (IVCT) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) impedes the blood flow through the IVC. The thrombus can be formed within the IVC itself, which is rare, or, more commonly, travel from the deep veins of the legs in a condition called deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
What is the name of the vessel that opens when the portal vein is obstructed?
Specialized vessels called the portocaval (portosystemic) anastomoses open if the hepatic portal vein is obstructed. The intestinal blood then bypasses the liver and empties into the IVC directly. In cases where the IVC is occluded, the collateral vessels to the superior vena cava open.
Why is inferior vena cava important?
The inferior vena cava anatomy is essential due to the vein’s great drainage area, which also makes it a hot topic for anatomy exams. For that reason, this page will cover the IVC anatomy in a way that’s easy to read and understand. Key facts. Definition and function.
What vessels communicate with the inferior vena cava?
The inferior vena cava communicates with the superior vena cava through the collateral vessels, which include the azygos vein, lumbar veins, and vertebral venous plexuses. Inferior vena cava in a cadaver. Notice how the largest tributaries are the left and right renal veins.
What is IVCT in a scrotum?
IVCT presents with symptoms of venous obstruction, such as pain and swelling of lower limbs and scrotum. IVCT is diagnosed by ultrasound, CT,and MRI.
Where does the IVC start?
Location. The IVC starts in the lower back where the right and left common iliac veins (two major leg veins) have joined together. Once the IVC is formed it runs under the abdominal cavity along the right side of the spinal column. It goes into the right atrium of the heart, in through the back side.
How is the IVC formed?
Anatomy. The IVC is formed by the merging of the right and left common iliac veins. These veins come together in the abdomen, helping to move blood from the lower limbs back up to the heart. The IVC is one of the largest veins in the body, which is helpful for the large volume of blood it’s responsible for carrying.
What is double IVC?
In this case, a double IVC is just that: two IVC veins instead of one. Its prevalence rate is typically 0.2% to 0.3%. 4 . Other variations may include azygous continuation of the IVC, where blood coming from the lower body drains into a different venous system called the azygous system.
What is the inferior vena cava?
Clinical Significance. The inferior vena cava (also known as IVC or the posterior vena cava) is a large vein that carries blood from the torso and lower body to the right side of the heart. From there the blood is pumped to the lungs to get oxygen before going to the left side of the heart to be pumped back out to the body.
What veins enter the IVC?
Other veins that enter into the IVC through the spinal cord include the hepatic veins, inferior phrenic veins, and lumbar vertebral veins. The IVC’s job is to drain all the blood from the lower half of the body including the feet, legs, thighs, pelvis, and abdomen.
How does the IVC vein work?
To prevent the blood from moving back into the body, valves made up of tissue in the vein close as the blood through it. But the anatomy of the IVC vein is slightly different. Instead of valves, the pressure from breathing and the contraction of the diaphragm as the lungs fill with air helps to pull the blood forward from the IVC all ...
Where does the IVC come from?
The IVC gets its name from its structure, as it is the lower, or inferior, part of the venae cavae, which are the two large veins responsible for the blood transport back to the right side of the heart. The IVC handles blood from the lower body while the other vein, known as the superior vena cava, carries the blood circulating in the upper half ...
What is the IVC in anatomy?
The IVC in a Nutshell. The IVC is formed by the union of the right and left common iliac veins. It conveys systemic venous blood from the lower limbs and pelvis, the undersurface of the diaphragm and parts of the abdominal wall – it does NOT drain blood from the gut! It begins in the abdomen at L5 and ends in the thorax at T8, ...
What are the organs that are in front of the IVC?
Organs sitting directly in front of the IVC include the liver, duodenum and pancreas. It is also crossed anteriorly by the portal triad within the lower free edge of the lesser omentum, the right gonadal artery, and the right common iliac artery. Important structures passing behind the IVC include the right renal artery and the azygos vein.
How is IVC thrombectomy done?
It’s done using the incredibly slick da Vinci robotic surgery system, which allows surgeons to perform major operations using minimal access techniques. The retroperitoneal space is opened and the IVC is mobilised by the division of the lumbar veins. The IVC and left renal vein are clamped using Rommel tourniquets. The surgeon then splits open the IVC and carefully removes all the horrible tumour thrombus. The outcome for the patient was fantastic – he went home after 48 hours and had nothing but a few tiny scars.
How many tributaries does the IVC have?
3 anterior visceral tributaries (three hepatic) 5 lateral abdominal wall tributaries (inferior phrenic and four lumbar) The IVC does not drain blood from the gut. This has to pass through the portal vein into the liver, to allow removal of any contaminants and processing of the nutrients.
How many suprarenal veins are there?
Unlike the three suprarenal arteries, there is only one suprarenal vein on each side.
What is the IVC field?
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the body. It runs alongside the abdominal aorta, but there are several important differences between their branches and tributaries which make perfect fodder for trick questions in exams!
Which vein is longer, left or right?
This means that, for example, the left renal vein is longer than the right. Running parallel to the IVC on its left-hand side is the aorta and the cisterna chyli.
Which vein enters the IVC?
LFT gonadal vein enters the LRV or LFT adrenal vein which then enters the IVC
What level is the iliac vein formed at?
Formed by the union of the iliac veins at the level of L5
How many branches are there in the renal vein?
5-6 branches unite to form the main Renal Veins
What is the LRV?
In transverse, the LRV is an anechoic tubular structure between the SMA and AO
Which side of the aorta is the RRA on?
the aorta sits on the left side, which forces the RRA to travel a greater distance
How many branches are there in the aortic arch?
The 3 branches of the aortic arch
How many layers are there in the walls of the arteries?
Both arteries and veins have 3 layers within their walls. What are the 3 layers?
Which side of the stomach is the lower esophagus?
left side of the lesser curvature of the stomach, and the lower esophagus
What is the thin walled muscular sac separated from the RV by?
Structurally it is thin walled muscular sac separated from the RV by the tricuspid valve.
Which appendage wraps around the great vessels?
The atrial appen dages wrap around the great vessels. The right atrial appendage has a triangular configuration and the left atrial appendage is thinner and has got finger like projections on its inferior surface
What is the right appendage on a CT scan?
Ct scan through the heart at the level of the left atrium shows a normal broad right atrial appendage cupping, or enfolding the great vessels and positioned at right angles to the left atrium.
What is the axial CT of the right side of the heart?
The axial CT scan through the right side of the heart shows an enlarged right atrium and right ventricle in this 88 year old patient with right heart failure with known tricuspid regurgitation The round capaciousness of both chambers provides the subjective impression of RAE and RVE.
What is the function of the tricuspid valve?
Functionally it acts as a conduit for blood from the systemic venous circulation and directing it to the RV. It receives venous blood from the SVC and IVC and early in the cycle the blood is transferred passively and later in the cycle there is active contraction that enables the topping up of the right ventricle via the tricuspid valve into the RV.
Which axial image of the heart is normal?
This axial image of the heart is through the mitral (right ) and tricuspid valve (left) right atrium and left atrium (right) which are normal and about the same size. The left ventricle with the papillary muscles and the right ventricle with its papillary muscle are well seen. Note the right sided structures tend to be anterior and left sided structures tend to be posterior. Note also that the right atrium and the left atrium are about the same size and shape in this view with flat walls.
Which part of the heart forms the right border?
The right atrium forms the right border of the heart as it lies in the chest with the IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) and the SVC (Superior Vena Cava) entering near its most lateral border. Davidoff MD 06644 06.8s
Which vein runs at the middle portal fissure?
Middle hepatic vein: This vein runs at the middle portal fissure, dividing the liver into right and left lobes. It runs just behind the IVC. Left hepatic vein: This vein is found in the left portal fissure, splitting up the left lobe of the liver into a more medial and lateral sections.
What are the hepatic veins?
The hepatic veins arise from the core vein central liver lobule—a subsection of the liver—and drain blood to the IVC. These veins vary in size between 6 and 15 millimeters (mm) in diameter, and they’re named after the corresponding part of the liver that they cover. These include: 1 1 Right hepatic vein: The longest of the hepatic veins, the right hepatic vein and lies in the right portal fissure, which divides the liver into an anterior (front-facing) and posterior (rear-facing) sections. 2 Middle hepatic vein: This vein runs at the middle portal fissure, dividing the liver into right and left lobes. It runs just behind the IVC. 3 Left hepatic vein: This vein is found in the left portal fissure, splitting up the left lobe of the liver into a more medial and lateral sections. 4 Caudate lobe veins: These terminal veins perform the function of draining blood directly to the IVC. They run from the caudate lobe, which is connected to the right lobe of the liver via a narrow structure called the caudate process.
What is the function of the hepatic veins?
The primary function of the hepatic veins is to serve as an important cog of the circulatory system. They deliver deoxygenated blood from the liver and other lower digestive organs like the colon, small intestine, stomach, and pancreas, back to the heart; this is done via the IVC. 2 Since the liver serves the important function ...
What is the condition where blood clots in the hepatic veins cause swelling?
Clots of the hepatic veins lead to a rare disorder called Budd-Chiari syndrome. 3 This disease is characterized by swelling in the liver, and spleen, caused by the interrupted blood flow as a result of these blockages. It also increases pressure on these veins, and fluid may build up in the abdomen.
What percentage of the population has hepatic veins?
Anatomical Variations. Variations to the anatomy of the hepatic veins are not uncommon and occur in approximately 30% of the population. 1 In most cases, the right hepatic vein will be what’s affected.
What are the three major hepatic veins?
Relatively larger in size, there are three major hepatic veins—the left, middle, and right—corre sponding to the left, middle, and right portions of the liver. 1 These structures originate in the liver’s lobule and also serve to transport blood from the colon, pancreas, small intestine, and stomach. Anatomically, they’re often used as landmarks ...
Where do hepatic veins come from?
Structure & Location. The hepatic veins arise from the core vein central liver lobule —a subsection of the liver—and drain blood to the IVC. These veins vary in size between 6 and 15 millimeters (mm) in diameter, and they’re named after the corresponding part of the liver that they cover. These include: 1 .
Introduction
Overview of The Inferior Vena Cava
- The IVC is formed by the union of the right and leftcommon iliac veins. It conveyssystemic venous blood from the lower limbsandpelvis, the undersurface of the diaphragm and parts of the abdominal wall. The IVC does not drain blood from the gut.
Tributaries of The Inferior Vena Cava
- Figure 1 summarises the arrangement of the tributaries of the IVC. The IVC has: 1. Three anterior visceraltributaries (three hepatic) 2. Three lateral visceraltributaries (suprarenal, renal, gonadal) 3. Five lateral abdominal walltributaries (inferior phrenic and four lumbar) 4. Three veins of origin(two common iliac and the median sacral) The IVC does not drain blood from the gut. Thi…
Radiology
- Figure 2 shows an anatomically normal IVC affected by anIVC thrombosis, you should be able to appreciate the overall arrangement of its branches and its relationships to the other structures in the retroperitoneal space.
References
- Images 1. Case courtesy of Dr Ian Bickle, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 23860 References 1. Larsen TR, Essad K, Jain SKA, et al; An incidental mass in the inferior vena cava discovered on echocardiogram, International Journal of Case Reports and Images 2012;3(12):58–61. 2. Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition. Published in 2010. 3. Santise G, D’Ancona G, Baglini R …