Blood vesselVein

Superior vena cava

Latin: Vena cava superior

Location: Thorax

View the superior vena cava in 3D

Course

Formed by the union of both brachiocephalic veins behind the first right costal cartilage, descends behind and to the right of the ascending aorta, and enters the right atrium's upper posterior wall — no valve.

Drains

Head, neck, arms and upper thoracic wall.

Clinical relevance

SVC obstruction (usually lung cancer or lymphoma) congests the whole upper body — facial plethora, distended neck veins and Pemberton's sign; central-line tips park at its junction with the right atrium for ideal flow mixing.

Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.