yläonttolaskimosta

The superior vena cava, known in Finnish as the yläonttolaskimo, is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium of the heart. It is formed by the convergence of the left and right brachiocephalic veins. These brachiocephalic veins, in turn, receive blood from the internal jugular veins and the subclavian veins. Therefore, the yläonttolaskimo collects blood from the head, neck, upper limbs, and chest.

The yläonttolaskimo is located in the upper right quadrant of the chest, just to the right of the ascending aorta and anterior to the right pulmonary artery. It is approximately seven centimeters in length and about two centimeters in diameter. The vein passes through the mediastinum and empties its contents into the superior aspect of the right atrium.

Diseases affecting the yläonttolaskimo can include obstruction, often caused by tumors in the chest, blood clots, or thrombi. Obstruction can lead to a condition known as superior vena cava syndrome, characterized by swelling of the face, neck, and arms, as well as shortness of breath and chest pain. Infections in the vicinity can also impact the vein. In medical procedures, a central venous catheter is often inserted into the yläonttolaskimo to administer medications or monitor cardiac pressures.