Noun: vena cava (venae cavae) ,vee-nu'key-vu
- Either of two large veins that return oxygen-depleted blood to the right atrium of the heart
"The vena cava is essential for returning deoxygenated blood to the heart"
Derived forms: venae cavae
Type of: vein, vena, venous blood vessel
Encyclopedia: Vena cava, superior