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inferior vena cava
One of two great veins, known as vena cavae, in the general or systemic circulatory system of the body, the other being the superior vena cava. The inferior vena cava lies immediately to the right of the aorta. It starts in the lower abdomen, in front of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and is formed by the union of the two common iliac veins (which receive blood from the legs and pelvic organs), the junction lying behind the right common iliac artery. The inferior vena cava also receives blood from the hepatic vein, which drains the liver, and the renal veins, which drain the kidneys. It travels some 25 cm upwards in front of the spine, behind the liver, passing though the diaphragm, and entering the right atrium of the heart.
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