Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the PLAB Test with interactive quizzes and comprehensive study materials. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Start studying today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


At which spinal level does the inferior vena cava typically form?

  1. L4

  2. L5

  3. L2

  4. T12

The correct answer is: L2

The inferior vena cava typically forms at the level of L4, where the two common iliac veins merge. This anatomical formation is significant as it allows for the drainage of blood from the lower body into the heart. It is crucial to recognize that while other levels listed may involve different relevant structures, the merging of the common iliac veins specifically occurs at L4, leading to the formation of the inferior vena cava. This understanding is important for various medical applications, including surgical procedures and diagnosis of vascular conditions.