The term Great Vessels describes a collection of large-caliber arteries and veins found in the thoracic cavity.

List

  1. The brachiocephalic veins
  2. Superior vena cava
  3. Pulmonary trunk
  4. Aorta
  5. The brachiocephalic trunk
  6. Left common carotid artery
  7. Left subclavian artery

Brachiocephalic veins

Also known as the innominate veins, the brachiocephalic veins form by the union of the subclavian and the internal jugular veins. The two vessels join to the superior vena cava (see below).

Compared to the right brachiocephalic vein, the left brachiocephalic vein is longer, as it has to cross the mediastinum from left to right.

Superior vena cava

The superior vena cava (SVC) is formed by the union of the brachiocephalic veins, and terminates at the superior pole of the right atrium.

  • The superior vena cava drains blood from all structures above the diaphragm except the lungs and heart.
  • Approximately 6cm in length, it forms at the level of the 1st right rib, and terminates at the right atrium at the level of the 3rd costal cartilage. It is found anterolateral to the trachea and posterolateral to the ascending aorta.
  • The terminal part of the SVC is located within the middle mediastinum, where it resides adjacent to the ascending aorta and forms the posterior border of the transverse pericardial sinus located within the pericardium.
  • The azygos vein joins the superior vena cava posterior to the right 2nd costal cartilage

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