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Multiple Choice
Which of the following veins does not drain directly into the inferior vena cava?
A
Hepatic vein
B
Right gonadal vein
C
Portal vein
D
Renal vein
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the inferior vena cava: It is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the heart.
Identify the veins listed: Hepatic vein, Right gonadal vein, Portal vein, and Renal vein.
Determine the typical drainage pattern for each vein: The hepatic vein drains blood from the liver directly into the inferior vena cava. The right gonadal vein (in males, the testicular vein; in females, the ovarian vein) also drains directly into the inferior vena cava. The renal vein drains blood from the kidneys directly into the inferior vena cava.
Examine the portal vein: The portal vein is part of the hepatic portal system, which carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. It does not drain directly into the inferior vena cava.
Conclude that the portal vein is the correct answer as it does not directly drain into the inferior vena cava, unlike the other veins listed.