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renal vein
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Medical illustration showing a cross section of the right kidney, with labeled parts including the cortex, medulla, renal artery and vein, calyces, renal pelvis, ureter, and associated blood vessels. Silhouette diagram of the human body highlighting the heart and major blood vessels, with labeled arteries in red and veins in blue to show the structure of the cardiovascular system. Diagram of the human circulatory system showing major arteries in red and veins in blue, with labeled pathways for arterial supply and venous drainage to organs including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, intestines, and lower limbs. Diagram of the female renal system showing kidneys, adrenal glands, and urinary tract organs in their anatomical positions, with labels for major structures including blood vessels, bladder, and uterus.
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renal vein

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Medical illustration showing a cross section of the right kidney, with labeled parts including the cortex, medulla, renal artery and vein, calyces, renal pelvis, ureter, and associated blood vessels.
human kidney Cross section of the right kidney showing the major blood vessels.

The renal vein is a major blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood away from the kidneys. In humans, there are two renal veins, one for each kidney, which drain into the inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava is a large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart.12

The renal veins are part of the venous system that collects blood from various organs. Within the kidney, small venules collect blood and merge into larger veins, eventually forming the single renal vein that exits the kidney. The right renal vein typically drains directly into the inferior vena cava, while the left renal vein may receive blood from other organs before connecting to the inferior vena cava.31

Vascular diseases affecting the blood vessels, including the renal arteries and veins, can lead to kidney damage and contribute to conditions like high blood pressure.4

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. human cardiovascular system - Inferior vena cava and its tributaries
  2. renal system - Veins and venules
  3. renal system disease - Vascular disease
  4. vena cava

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