Superior vena cava

The superior vena cava ( " superior vena cava " ) is a short strong venous blood vessel of the chest cavity. In animals, it is referred to as the vena cava cranialis ( " front vena cava ").

It arises from the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic vein at the level of the first rib and thus collects the blood from the head, neck and upper extremities. The superior vena cava runs in the mediastinum and flows from the top to the right atrium of the heart.

The vein does not venous valve in adults, which is why there is a return flow of blood in the internal jugular vein in a tricuspid insufficiency, which can be perceived as a so-called venous pulse.

• Vein