[pohst-key-vuh, -kah-] 
[vee-nuh key-vuh] [vee-nee key-vee] . Anatomy. | either of two large veins discharging blood into the right atrium of the heart, one (superior vena cava or precava) conveying blood from the head, chest, and upper extremities and the other (inferior vena cava or postcava) conveying blood from all parts below the diaphragm. |
inferior vena cava n.
A large vein formed by the union of the two common iliac veins that receives blood from the lower limbs and the pelvic and abdominal viscera and empties into the right atrium of the heart. Also called postcava.
postcava post·ca·va (pōst-kā'və)
n.
See inferior vena cava.
vena cava vena ca·va (kā'və)
n. pl. venae ca·vae (kā'vē)
Either of the two venae cavae, designated inferior and superior. Also called cava.
| vena cava (vē'nə kā'və) Pronunciation Key
Plural venae cavae (vē'nē kā'vē) Either of two large veins that carry blood with low levels of oxygen to the right atrium of the heart. ◇ The superior vena cava receives blood from the brain and upper limbs or forelimbs. ◇ The inferior vena cava drains blood from the trunk and lower limbs or hindlimbs and is the largest vein in the body. |