What it means
The superior vena cava brings blood from the head, neck and arms, and the inferior vena cava brings blood from the lower body. Both empty into the right atrium. The word is Latin for "hollow". The tip of a central venous catheter usually sits in the lower part of the superior vena cava.
For the nurse
In late pregnancy, lying flat on the back lets the uterus press on the inferior vena cava, which can drop the blood pressure. Have the client lie tilted to the left side.
Related terms
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
vena cava
One of the two large veins that return oxygen-poor blood from the body to the right atrium of the heart.
central venous pressure
The blood pressure in the large vein near the heart's right atrium, measured through a central line.