Definition

1. Noun:
   • A major vein: The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body (the head, neck, arms, and chest) back to the heart.
   • Anatomical structure: It is formed by the union of the left and right brachiocephalic veins and receives blood from the azygos vein, emptying directly into the right atrium of the heart.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The catheter was inserted into the superior vena cava to monitor central venous pressure.
  • A blockage in the superior vena cava can cause swelling in the face and arms.

Advanced Usage

• "Superior vena cava syndrome": A medical condition caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava, leading to symptoms like facial swelling and shortness of breath.
  • The patient was diagnosed with superior vena cava syndrome due to a lung tumor.

Variants and Related Words

• Inferior vena cava (n): The large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body to the heart.
  • The inferior vena cava brings blood from the abdomen and legs.
• Vena cava (n): The general term for either of the two large veins (superior or inferior) that return blood to the heart.
  • The venae cavae are the body's largest veins.

Synonyms

• Precava: An older, less common term for the superior vena cava.

Related Phrases

• SVC obstruction: An abbreviation commonly used in medical contexts for "superior vena cava obstruction."
  • The CT scan confirmed an SVC obstruction.

Noun

1. receives blood from the head and arms and chest and empties into the right atrium of the heart; formed from the azygos and both brachiocephalic veins