The superior vena cava (SVC) is a large but short vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart's right atrium. It is formed by the left and right brachiocephalic veins (also referred to as the innominate veins) which receive blood from the upper limbs and the head and neck. The azygos vein (which receives blood from the ribcage) joins it just before it enters the right atrium.

In the adult, no valve separates the SVC from the right atrium. As a result, the (right) atrial and (right) ventricular contractions are conducted up into the internal jugular vein and, through the sternocleidomastoid muscle, can be seen as the jugular venous pressure. In tricuspid valve regurgitation these pulsations are very strong.

See also

• Persistent left superior vena cava

External links

• Veins of the upper extremity and thorax - Gray's Anatomy

Thorax | Veins

Veine cave supérieure | Veia cava superior | Yläonttolaskimo | Горња шупља вена