Superior Vena Cava

Superior Vena Cava

The Superior Vena Cava (pronunciation: soo-peer-ee-or vee-nuh kah-vuh) is one of the two main Veins in the human body that returns deoxygenated blood from the systemic circulation to the Heart. The other is the Inferior Vena Cava.

Etymology

The term "Superior Vena Cava" is derived from the Latin words 'superior' meaning 'above', 'vena' meaning 'vein', and 'cava' meaning 'hollow'.

Structure and Function

The Superior Vena Cava is a large-diameter, yet short, vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart's right atrium. It is formed by the left and right Brachiocephalic Veins, also known as innominate veins, which receive blood from the upper limbs and the head and neck.

Related Terms

• Vein
• Heart
• Inferior Vena Cava
• Brachiocephalic Veins

See Also

• Circulatory System
• Blood Vessels

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