Definition of superior vena cava
: 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
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Recent Examples of superior vena cava from the Web
-
The inferior vena cava and superior vena cava carry blood to the heart.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'superior vena cava.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of superior vena cava
1875
Medical Dictionary
superior vena cava
medical Definition of superior vena cava
: 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
Illustration of superior vena cava
Learn More about superior vena cava
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superior vena cava
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up superior vena cava? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
