<P> The inferior vena cava ( or IVC ) ( Latin : vena , `` vein '' , cavus , `` hollow '' ) is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart . Its walls are rigid and has valves so the blood does not flow down via gravity . It is formed by the joining of the right and the left common iliac veins , usually at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra . </P>
<P> The inferior vena cava ( or IVC ) ( Latin : vena , `` vein '' , cavus , `` hollow '' ) is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart . Its walls are rigid and has valves so the blood does not flow down via gravity . It is formed by the joining of the right and the left common iliac veins , usually at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra . </P>
is the vena cava a vein or artery
is the vena cava a vein or artery
vein
vein