IVC stands for which anatomical structure?

• A. Internal vena cava
• B. Intercostal venous canal
• C. Inferior vena cava
• D. Intravascular caval

Answer: (C)

IVC stands for inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart. It forms from the union of the common iliac veins, travels upward through the abdomen on the right side of the spine, passes through the diaphragm via the caval opening, and emptyies into the right atrium. This is the standard anatomical name for the vessel abbreviated as IVC.

The other phrases aren’t used to name a specific vessel: “internal vena cava” isn’t a standard term, there is a superior vena cava for the upper body, and “intercostal venous canal” or “intravascular caval” aren’t recognized anatomical names.