Dictionary.net

The hollow or deep-seated vein. (F.) Veine cave. A name given to the two great veins of the body; which meet at the right auricle of the heart. The vena cava supe'rior, thorac’ica seu descen'dens, is formed by the union of the subclavians; and receives successively, before its termination at the upper part of the right auricle, the inferior thyroid, right internal mammary, superior diaphragmatic, azygos, &c. The vena cava infe'rior, abdomina'lis seu ascen'dens, arises from the union of the two primary iliacs, opposite the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebra, receives the middle sacral, lumbar, right spermatic, hepatic, and inferior diaphragmatics, and opens at the posterior and inferior part of the right auricle.