What functions does the lower vena cava do?

The lower hollow vein is a wide vessel that forms the right and left iliac veins approximately between the fourth and fifth vertebrae of the lumbar region. This cavity is designed to collect venous blood in the lower part of the human body. The lower hollow vein, whose diameter ranges from 2 to 3.4 cm, is located in the retroperitoneal space. It permeates the diaphragm and gradually enters the right atrium, taking blood from other veins on its way. Normally, the vessel should change its parameters during the respiratory process: when inhaled, it is usually compressed, and when it expands, it expands. It is because of this phenomenon that the lower 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, above 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 lower hollow vein takes on the internal and parietal blood branches. The latter include the middle sacral and lumbar veins, as well as the lower diaphragmatic aorta. The system of the inferior vena cava is formed from the joints, through which blood is collected from the legs, pelvic organs and abdominal cavity.

Parietal tributaries

Analogues of the lumbar arteries are veins of the same name, which have the same course and take blood from the entire surrounding area. As a rule, such vessels have a communication with the inferior vena cava and carry out the outflow of blood from the region of the spinal cord. With the help of diaphragmatic veins, blood outflow from the lower part of the diaphragm is carried out.

The system of visceral tributaries

The lower hollow vein contains visceral tributaries that collect blood from the internal organs. For example, the task of hepatic veins is the removal of blood from the liver, and the adrenal vessels provide blood supply to the adrenal glands. Renal paired vein is responsible for the condition of the kidneys and ureters, and the testicles, respectively, originate from the female ovaries and male testicles.

Diseases of the hollow vein

Thrombotic occlusion of the lower hollow vessel is one of the most severe forms of venous obstruction of a chronic nature. Such a pathology almost always leads to a two-sided defeat of the lower extremities. In this case, the patient has spilled pain, which can spread not only on the legs, but also in the groin, buttocks and abdominal cavity. In addition, there is edema of the lower leg and thigh, which gradually covers the entire area of the lower limb to the feet. In more severe cases, the buttocks, the genitals and even the anterior abdominal wall may swell. In some people, varicose veins of small subcutaneous veins are observed, and multiple trophic ulcers are formed, which practically do not lend themselves to drug treatment. If the work of the inferior vena cava is disrupted, serious complications such as impotence may occur.