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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Superior and Inferior Vena Cava?

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The superior and inferior vena cava are two large veins responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. They have some differences in terms of their functions and anatomical locations:

  • Superior Vena Cava (SVC): This vein brings deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the body, including the head, chest, and upper extremities, to the right atrium of the heart. It is the second largest vein in the body and is located on the heart's right side, next to the right side of the sternum. The SVC is a commonly used site for central venous access.
  • Inferior Vena Cava (IVC): This vein is responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body, including the lower limbs, gonads, kidneys, and liver, to the right atrium of the heart. It is the largest vein in the body and is also located on the heart's right side. The IVC is longer than the SVC.

In summary, the main differences between the superior and inferior vena cava are their sources of deoxygenated blood and their locations in the body. The SVC brings blood from the upper body, while the IVC brings blood from the lower body.

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  • What is the Difference Between Superior and Inferior Vena Cava?
  • Comparative Table: Superior vs Inferior Vena Cava

    • Comparative Table: Superior vs Inferior Vena Cava

    The superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC) are large veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart. They have different roles and anatomical locations:

    Feature Superior Vena Cava Inferior Vena Cava
    Function Returns deoxygenated blood from the upper portion of the body, including the head, neck, arms, and chest. Returns deoxygenated blood from the lower portion of the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs.
    Location Located in the upper part of the body. Located in the lower part of the body, behind the abdominal wall on the right side of the aorta.
    Tributaries Right and left innominate (or brachiocephalic) veins merge to form the SVC. Common iliac veins, internal iliac veins, and the left gonadal (ovarian) vein.
    Valve Does not have a valve. Has one valve where it meets the right atrium.
    Length Approximately 7 centimeters (almost 3 inches). Approximately 100 millimeters (4 inches).
    Diameter Approximately 2 centimeters (less than 1 inch). Approximately 22 millimeters (less than 1 inch).

    Both the SVC and IVC play crucial roles in circulation, ensuring that deoxygenated blood is returned to the heart to be re-oxygenated and pumped back to the rest of the body.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.