This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Vena caval foramen

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The vena caval foramen is the diaphragmatic aperture through which the vena cava passes. It has the following characteristics:

  • in expiration, situated at the level of the lower border of T8 vertebra which approximates the 6th costal cartilage
  • the most superior of all the large diaphragmatic apertures
  • passes through the tendinous part of the diaphragm a few centrimetres anterior to the vertebral body and to the right of the median plane
  • the vena cava is firmly attached to the sides of the foramen; consequently, on contraction of the diaphragm, the aperture descends and increases in diameter. This has the effect of increasing vena caval diameter and facilitating thoracic venous return.
  • other structures that may pass through the aperture include:
    • right phrenic nerve
    • ascending lymphatics
    • infrequently, the right hepatic vein

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.