Superior vena cava

Vena cava superior

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What it is

A large valveless vein formed behind the right first costal cartilage by the union of the two brachiocephalic veins. It descends to the right of the ascending aorta, receives the azygos vein from behind and opens into the top of the right atrium.

Function

Returns blood from the head, neck, upper limbs and chest wall to the heart.

Size

~7 cm long, ~2 cm diameter.

Clinical note

Compression by lung cancer or lymphoma causes superior vena cava syndrome (swollen face and arms, distended neck veins); central venous catheter tips are placed at its junction with the right atrium.