Which vessels drain blood from the ovaries into the inferior vena cava on the right and into the left renal vein on the left?

• A. Ovarian veins
• B. Ovarian arteries
• C. Uterine arteries
• D. Internal iliac arteries

Answer: (A)

The vessels in question are the ovarian veins. Blood from the ovaries is carried away by the gonadal veins. On the right side, the right ovarian vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava, so it returns venous blood to the heart via the IVC. On the left side, the left ovarian vein drains into the left renal vein, which then joins the inferior vena cava, so the left side path goes first to the left renal vein before reaching the IVC. This distinguishes venous drainage patterns from the ovaries themselves, which are supplied by the ovarian arteries. Uterine arteries and internal iliac arteries are arterial vessels supplying pelvic structures and are not involved in the venous drainage described.