Quick Facts
Origin: Union of small tributaries.
Course: Travel along the inferior surface of the diaphragm.
Tributaries: Multiple small tributaries.
Drainage: Diaphragm.
Origin
Small vessels located along the inferior surface of the diaphragm join the inferior phrenic veins along its course.
Course
There are often two left and one right inferior phrenic veins. The left veins drain into either the left renal or suprarenal veins, or directly into the inferior vena cava. The right inferior phrenic vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava.
Along their course, the inferior phrenic veins cross the crura and the central tendon of the diaphragm. The left inferior phrenic vein travels posterior to the esophagus, and the right inferior phrenic vein passes posterior to the inferior vena cava.
Tributaries
Small tributaries join the inferior phrenic veins along its course.
Structures Drained
The left inferior phrenic vein receives esophageal branches, while the right inferior phrenic vein drains the caval opening of the diaphragm. Both inferior phrenic veins drain the inferior surface of the diaphragm.
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