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vena cava

vena cava

Noun

pl: venae cavae

This term is a specialized anatomical designation used primarily in medical and biological contexts. It refers to the primary venous conduits of the body, specifically the superior vena cava which drains the upper body and the inferior vena cava which drains the lower body.

As a Latin-derived anatomical term, it is treated as a singular entity in clinical descriptions. While it can be pluralized as venae cavae in formal medical literature, it is most frequently encountered in the singular form when referring to a specific vessel during surgical or diagnostic procedures.

Meanings

Nounvena cava

The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the body back to the right atrium of the heart.

The surgeon carefully clamped the vena cava to prevent blood loss during the procedure.

Examples

The superior vena cava drains blood from the upper body.

Health

Blood flows from the inferior vena cava into the right atrium.

Health

Wait, is the blockage located in the vena cava or a smaller vein?

Health

The patient has a filter placed in the inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary embolisms.

Health

I need to memorize the path of blood from the vena cava to the lungs for the exam.

School Life

The vena cava is the largest vein in the human body.

Trivia

Pressure increases within the vena cava during certain types of heart failure.

Health

The anatomy textbook shows a clear cross section of the vena cava.

School Life

The surgeon must avoid damaging the vena cava during the thoracic procedure.

Health

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error