What functions does the lower vena cava do?

The lower hollow vein is a wide vessel,which form 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 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 inhaled, it usually contracts, 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 a rootmesentery of the small intestine, right testicular artery and 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 the sameVeins that 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.

System of visceral tributaries

The lower hollow vein contains visceral tributaries,which collect blood from 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.

Vena cava diseases

Thrombotic blockage of the lower hollow vesselis one of the most severe forms of chronic venous obstruction. This pathology almost always leads to bilateral lesion of the lower extremities. At the same time, the patient has diffuse pains that can spread not only to the legs, but also to the groin area, buttocks and abdominal cavity. In addition, there is swelling of the leg and thigh, which gradually covers the entire area of ​​the lower extremity to the very foot. In more severe cases, the buttocks, genitals and even the anterior abdominal wall may swell. Some people have varicose dilatation of small saphenous veins, as well as multiple trophic ulcerations, which are almost not amenable to medical treatment. In case of malfunction of the inferior vena cava, such a serious complication as impotence may occur.