The vena cava is a term that refers to either of
the two main veins that transport deoxygenated blood from all of the
veins throughout the body to the right
atrium of the heart. These two veins may be referred to collectively
using the pural form of "vena cava", which is "venae
cavae".
Individually, these two veins are:
The superior vena cava which drains blood from the
head, neck, thorax, and arms (more
...), and
The inferior vena cava which drains blood from all
parts of the body below the diaphragm, including the feet, legs, reproductive,
and lower-abdominal organs (more
...). To view a diagram showing the positions of the superior vena cava and
the inferior vena cava in relative to the positions of other major veis
and arteries, visit the page about Systemic
Circulation. |
