# What is the inferior vena cava?

The large lower-body vein is called the inferior vena cava. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the largest vein in the body.

## What it means

- The largest vein in the body.
- Formed by the union of the two common iliac veins.
- Carries blood from the lower body back to the heart.

## Action steps

1. To the right of the aorta, in front of the vertebral column.
2. Passes through the diaphragm to reach the right atrium.
3. Receives the hepatic veins from the liver just below the diaphragm.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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