The inferior vena cava
Inferior vena cava · vena cava inferior
The body's largest vein, carrying blood from the legs and abdomen back to the heart.
What it does
The inferior vena cava forms in the lower abdomen where the two iliac veins join. It runs up beside the aorta, collects veins from the kidneys and liver, passes through the diaphragm and empties into the right atrium.
Surprising fact
Late in pregnancy, lying flat on your back can let the heavy womb press on this vein, reducing blood returning to the heart and making some women feel faint.
Why it matters
That is why pregnant women are advised to rest on their side in later pregnancy.
Nearby
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Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.