Difference Between Superior and Inferior Vena Cava

The inferior vena cava is the lower ("inferior") of the two venae cavae, the two large veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium of the heart: the inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower half of the body whilst the superior vena cava carries blood from the upper half of the body.

1. What is significant about the superior and inferior vena cava?
2. Which is bigger superior or inferior vena cava?
3. How do you identify the superior vena cava?
4. Where do the superior and inferior vena cava meet?
5. How long can you live with superior vena cava syndrome?
6. Can you live without an inferior vena cava?
7. What is the largest artery in the human body?
8. What is the biggest vein in the human body?
9. What is the longest vein in the body?
10. What is the main function of the superior vena cava?
11. Why is the superior vena cava important?
12. Where does the superior vena cava come from?

What is significant about the superior and inferior vena cava?

The superior vena cava delivers blood from the head and chest area to the heart, while the inferior vena cava returns blood from the lower body regions to the heart. ... The newly oxygen-depleted blood is returned to the heart again via the venae cavae.

Which is bigger superior or inferior vena cava?

Superior vena cava is the second largest vein of the body, which drains deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the body to the right atrium of the heart. Further, inferior vena cava is the largest vein of the body, which drains deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the body to the right atrium.

How do you identify the superior vena cava?

The superior vena cava is classified as a large vein, with a wide diameter of up to 2cm and a length of approximately 7cm. It arises from the union of the left and right brachiocephalic veins, posterior to the first right costal cartilage.

Where do the superior and inferior vena cava meet?

In humans there are the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava, and both empty into the right atrium. They are located slightly off-center, toward the right side of the body.

How long can you live with superior vena cava syndrome?

Prognosis. The average life expectancy for patients who present with malignancy-related SVC syndrome is 6 months, although the prognosis is quite variable depending on the type of malignancy. SVC obstruction in patients with NSCLC portends a particularly poor prognosis.

Can you live without an inferior vena cava?

Absence of the inferior vena cava is a rare vascular anomaly, which usually remains asymptomatic in childhood. It is recognized as the risk factor for deep venous thrombosis, since the collateral circulation does not provide adequate drainage of the lower limbs.

What is the largest artery in the human body?

Aorta Anatomy

The aorta is the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to other parts of the body.

What is the biggest vein in the human body?

The largest vein in the human body is the inferior vena cava, which carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back up to the heart.

What is the longest vein in the body?

Did you know that your Great Saphenous Vein is the longest vein in the human body? Extending from the top of your foot to the upper thigh and groin, THIS vein is the major culprit that causes Varicose Veins.

What is the main function of the superior vena cava?

The superior vena cava carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest. The inferior vena cava carries blood from the legs, feet, and organs in the abdomen and pelvis. The vena cava is the largest vein in the body.

Why is the superior vena cava important?

The superior vena cava is very important for the function of the cardiovascular system, since it largely contributes to the input of blood to the right atrium. Any hypertensive process in the right half of the heart or in the pulmonary circulation retrogradely affects both superior and inferior venae cavae.

Where does the superior vena cava come from?

The superior vena cava (SVC) starts at the confluence of the brachiocephalic veins behind the first right costal cartilage, and ends at the level of the third right costal cartilage where it drains into the right atrium. The SVC is about 7 cm long and 2 cm wide.