superior vena cava (redirected from Left superior vena cava)

superior vena cava

n. Abbr. SVC

A large vein formed by the union of the two brachiocephalic veins and the azygos vein that receives blood from the head, neck, upper limbs, and chest, and empties into the right atrium of the heart. Also called precava.

---

Superior vena cava

The major vein that carries blood from the upper body to the heart.

Mentioned in: Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

---

superior vena cava,

the second largest vein of the body, returning deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the right atrium. It is about 2 cm in diameter and 7 cm long. The section of the superior vena cava closest to the heart composes about one half of the vessel's length and is within the pericardial sac, covered by the serous pericardium. It has no valves. Compare inferior vena cava.

---

vena [ve´nah] (pl. ve´nae) (L.)

vein (see also Appendix 2-6).

vena ca´va the inferior vena cava and superior vena cava considered as a unit. See Appendix 2-6.

inferior vena cava the venous trunk for the lower extremities and the pelvic and abdominal viscera; it empties into the right atrium of the heart. See Appendix 2-6.

superior vena cava the venous trunk draining blood from the head, neck, upper extremities, and chest; it empties into the right atrium of the heart. See Appendix 2-6.