The inferior vena cava is a wide vessel that forms the right and left iliac veins approximately between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. This cavity is designed to collect venous blood in the lower part of the human body. The inferior vena cava, the diameter of which ranges from 2 to 3.4 cm, is located in the retroperitoneal space. It pierces the diaphragm and smoothly enters the right atrium, taking blood from other veins on its way. Normally, the vessel should change its parameters during the respiratory process: when inhaling, it usually contracts, and when exhaled, it expands. It is thanks to this phenomenon that the inferior vena cava differs from the aorta.
The anterior surface of the vein consists of the root of the mesentery of the small intestine, the right testicular artery and the horizontal segment of the duodenum, over which the head of the pancreas is located. In the region of the upper edge of the vessel, an expansion is observed, which is surrounded on three sides by the hepatic substance. The inferior vena cava receives the splanchnic and parietal blood branches. To the lastinclude the middle sacral and lumbar veins, as well as the lower diaphragmatic aorta. The inferior vena cava system is made up of joints that collect blood from the legs, pelvic organs, and abdomen.
Pariate tributaries
Analogues of the lumbar arteries are the veins of the same name, which have an identical course and take blood from the entire adjacent area. As a rule, such vessels communicate with the inferior vena cava and carry out the outflow of blood from the region of the spinal cord. The phrenic veins drain blood from the lower part of the diaphragm.
Visceral tributary system
The inferior vena cava contains visceral tributaries that collect blood from internal organs. For example, the task of the hepatic veins is to drain blood from the liver, and the adrenal vessels provide blood supply to the adrenal glands. The renal pair vein is responsible for the condition of the kidneys and ureters, and the testicular vessels, respectively, originate from the female ovaries and male testicles.
Disorders of the vena cava
Thrombotic occlusion of the inferior hollow vessel is one of the most severe forms of chronic venous obstruction. This pathology almost always leads to bilateral lesions of the lower extremities. In this case, the patient has diffuse pains that can spread not only to the legs, but also to the groin, buttocks and abdominal cavity. In addition, there is swelling of the lower leg and thigh, which graduallycovers the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe lower limb to the very foot. In more severe cases, the buttocks, genitals, and even the anterior abdominal wall may swell. In some people, varicose veins of small saphenous veins are observed, and multiple trophic ulcerations are also formed, which are practically not amenable to drug treatment. If the inferior vena cava malfunctions, a serious complication such as impotence may occur.
