Lumbar Veins

The lumbar veins are illustrated in this diagram.

The lumbar veins run along the posterior abdominal wall and drain into the inferior vena cava. In addition some lumbar veins drain into the iliolumbar vein, and into ascending lumbar veins. There are several veins which drain into the inferior vena cava. The inferior cava is formed from the union of the common iliac veins, which receive blood from the pelvis and lower limbs. Draining directly into the inferior vena cava, are the following veins:

• Lumbar veins
• Right gonadal veins (ovarian/testicular)
• Renal veins
• Right suprarenal vein
• Inferior phrenic veins
• Hepatic veins

Learn more about the veins of the body in this anatomy tutorial