Vena Cava (plural: Venae Cavae) — ECG/EKG Terminology

Definition: Largest vein in the body. The superior and inferior venae cavae return blood to the right atrium of the heart.

Key Facts

• Major systemic veins that return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.
• Superior and inferior segments drain upper and lower body respectively.
• Venous return strongly influences preload and cardiac output.

ECG Connection: No direct waveform is generated, but preload changes can affect rate and rhythm stability.

Why It Matters: Telemetry interpretation should consider preload-sensitive rhythms in shock or volume shifts.