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superior vena cava
noun
: the branch of the vena cava of a vertebrate that brings blood back from the head and anterior part of the body to the heart
Examples of superior vena cava in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One large vein that can get pressed on and back up with blood is the superior vena cava, which passes the right lung as the vein carries blood from the head to the heart.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Aug. 2024
This disrupted blood supply is known as superior vena cava syndrome, which causes facial swelling and bulging veins.3
Meanwhile, nerve damage due to the progress of NSCLC can cause Horner’s syndrome.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Aug. 2024
The inferior vena cava and superior vena cava carry blood to the heart.
—Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com, 1 Nov. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superior vena cava.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1875, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of superior vena cava was
in 1875
Dictionary Entries Near superior vena cava
Cite this Entry
“Superior vena cava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superior%20vena%20cava. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
superior vena cava
noun
: the branch of the vena cava that returns blood to the heart from the upper or front part of the body including the head and front limbs
Medical Definition
superior vena cava
noun
: a vein that is the second largest vein in the human body, is formed by the union of the two brachiocephalic veins at the level of the space between the first two ribs, and returns blood to the right atrium of the heart from the upper half of the body
More from Merriam-Webster on superior vena cava
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superior vena cava
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