On a CT scan of the abdomen at the level of L1, which structure lies immediately to the right of the aorta and receives the renal veins before draining into the right atrium?

• A Azygos vein
• B Portal vein
• C Inferior vena cava ✓
• D Superior mesenteric vein

Explanation

The inferior vena cava lies to the right of the aorta at the level of L1 and receives the renal veins (left at a higher level than right) before ascending to the right atrium through the central tendon of the diaphragm at T8. The azygos vein is posterior and right-sided but drains into the superior vena cava. The portal vein forms at the confluence of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins, inferior to the pancreatic neck, and is not the direct receiver of renal veins.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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