vena ca·va (k  v )n. pl. venae ca·vae (k v ) Either of two large veins that drain blood from the upper body and from the lower body and empty into the right atrium of the heart. [New Latin v na cava : Latin vna, vein + Latin cava, hollow.]vena ca val (-vl) adj. |
vena cava [ˈkeɪvə]
n pl venae cavae [ˈkeɪviː]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) either one of the two large veins that convey oxygen-depleted blood to the heart
[Latin: hollow vein]
| vena cava (vn kv) Plural venae cavae (v n kv) Either of two large veins that carry blood with low levels of oxygen to the right atrium of the heart.  The superior vena cava receives blood from the brain and upper limbs or forelimbs. The inferior vena cava drains blood from the trunk and lower limbs or hindlimbs and is the largest vein in the body. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | vena cava - either of two large veins that return oxygen-depleted blood to the right atrium of the heart vein, vena, venous blood vessel - a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart; "all veins except the pulmonary vein carry unaerated blood" inferior vena cava, postcava - receives blood from lower limbs and abdominal organs and empties into the posterior part of the right atrium of the heart; formed from the union of the two iliac veins precava, superior vena cava - receives blood from the head and arms and chest and empties into the right atrium of the heart; formed from the azygos and both brachiocephalic veins |
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