: 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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe inferior vena cava and superior vena cava carry blood to the heart. Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com, 1 Nov. 2017
Word History
First Known Use
1875, in the meaning defined above
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