superior vena cava

noun

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

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Recent Examples of superior vena cava from the Web

The inferior vena cava and superior vena cava carry blood to the heart.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "Heart & Hustle: Layne 'The Train' Todd keeps rolling at CNE," 1 Nov. 2017

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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

superior vena cava

noun

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