Venae cavae

Venae cavae are two large veins that return deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. The term "venae cavae" is derived from the Latin words "vena", meaning "vein", and "cava", meaning "hollow". The two veins are the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava, which carry blood from the upper and lower parts of the body, respectively.

Etymology

The term "venae cavae" is derived from the Latin words "vena", meaning "vein", and "cava", meaning "hollow". This is in reference to the large, hollow structure of these veins, which allows for the transport of large volumes of deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Superior vena cava

The superior vena cava is one of the two main veins in the human body. It carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body back to the heart. The superior vena cava is formed by the left and right brachiocephalic veins, also known as innominate veins, which receive blood from the upper limbs and the head and neck.

Inferior vena cava

The inferior vena cava is the other main vein in the human body. It carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. The inferior vena cava is formed by the union of the left and right common iliac veins and brings blood back from the lower limbs and the pelvic and abdominal organs.

Clinical significance

The venae cavae are crucial components of the circulatory system. Conditions that affect the venae cavae can have serious implications for health. For example, superior vena cava syndrome is a condition where the flow of blood through the superior vena cava is obstructed, leading to a range of symptoms including shortness of breath and swelling of the upper body. Similarly, an inferior vena cava syndrome can result from obstruction of the inferior vena cava, leading to swelling of the lower body.

See also

• Vein
• Heart
• Circulatory system

References

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