Word parts
What it means
The largest vein in the body. It runs up the back of the abdomen beside the spine and collects oxygen-poor blood from the legs, pelvis and abdominal organs, then empties into the right atriumAY-tree-umOne of the two upper chambers of the heart, which receive blood coming back to the heart.atri/o atrium-um noun endingFull entry . The superior vena cavasuh-PEER-ee-er VEE-nuh KAY-vuhThe large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms and upper chest back to the right atrium of the heart.superior uppervena veincava hollowFull entry does the same for the upper body. An IVC filter is a small device placed in it to catch blood clots from the legs before they reach the lungs.
For the nurse
Late in pregnancy, lying flat on the back lets the heavy uterus squeeze this vein, which cuts the blood returning to the heart and lowers her blood pressure. Turn her onto her side, ideally the left.
At a glance
| Spanish | vena cava inferior |
|---|---|
| Also written | IVC |
Related terms
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
atrium
One of the two upper chambers of the heart, which receive blood coming back to the heart.
superior vena cava
The large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms and upper chest back to the right atrium of the heart.
venous return
The flow of blood back to the heart through the veins.