VENA CAVA INFERIOR Meaning and
Definition
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The vena cava inferior, also known as the inferior vena cava, is a major vein in the human body that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body regions back to the heart. It is the largest vein in the body and is one of two main veins responsible for returning blood to the heart, with the other being the superior vena cava.
The vena cava inferior begins at the bottom of the abdomen, specifically the pelvic region, where it receives blood from various veins. These include the common iliac veins that gather blood from the legs and the internal organs located in the lower abdomen. As it ascends upwards towards the heart, the vena cava inferior runs parallel to the spine and is positioned to the right of the abdominal aorta, which is the major artery carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Upon reaching the upper abdomen, the vena cava inferior enters the thoracic cavity, passing through the diaphragm muscle and eventually connecting to the right atrium of the heart. At this point, the deoxygenated blood is then pumped into the right ventricle and subsequently directed to the lungs for oxygenation through the pulmonary circulation pathway.
The efficient functioning of the vena cava inferior is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation, as it ensures the return of blood from the lower body parts and organs to the heart, allowing for proper oxygenation and nutrient distribution throughout the body.
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Receives the blood from the lower extremities and the greater part of the pelvic and abdominal organs; it begins at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra on the right side, pierces the diaphragm at the level of the eighth dorsal vertebra, passes through the anterior mediastinum and empties into the back part of the right atrium (auricle) of the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VENA CAVA INFERIOR
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Similar spelling word for VENA CAVA INFERIOR
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