Vena cava Health Dictionary

Either of 2 large veins into which all circulating (deoxygenated) blood drains. The venae cavae (superior and inferior) deliver blood to the right atrium of the heart for pumping to the lungs.

The superior vena cava starts at the top of the chest, close to the sternum, and passes down through the pericardium before connecting to the right atrium. It collects blood from the upper trunk, head, neck, and arms. The inferior vena cava starts in the lower abdomen and travels upwards in front of the spine, behind the liver, and through the diaphragm before joining the right atrium. It collects blood from the legs, pelvic organs, liver, and kidneys.

The name of either of the two large vessels that open into the right atrium of the HEART. (See VEINS.)

(pl. venae cavae) either of the two main veins, conveying deoxygenated blood from the other veins to the right atrium of the heart. The inferior vena cava, formed by the union of the right and left common iliac veins, receives blood from parts of the body below the diaphragm. The superior vena cava, originating at the junction of the two innominate veins, drains blood from the head, neck, thorax, and arms.