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Glite Dictionary
precava

precava

9.9
A large vein that carries blood from the head, arms, and chest to the heart
  • noun
  • /priˈkeɪvə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vena cava superior
  • Blood from the arm travels through the precava to reach the heart.

Examples

  • A blockage in the precava can lead to serious circulatory problems.

  • The surgeon carefully examined the precava before proceeding with the operation.

  • The precava carries blood from the upper body.

  • Surgeons often examine the precava during heart surgery.

  • The precava collects deoxygenated blood from the upper body before sending it to the heart.

  • A healthy precava is essential for proper circulation to the heart and lungs.

  • Doctors monitor the precava for any abnormalities that could affect blood flow.

Synonyms

superior vena cava
vsprecava
  • Specialized
1 4.5

A large vein that carries blood with little oxygen from the upper body to the right side of the heart

has identical meaning but is an alternate anatomical name
SVC
vsprecava
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A large vein that carries blood from the upper body to the heart

means the same but is a common abbreviation used in texts

Surface Forms

precava singular
precavae plural

Morphology

precava = vena cava (opaque) = pre + cava

The combining element 'cava' is a technical Latin medical element (not a common English base), so average learners cannot derive the anatomical meaning from 'pre-' + 'cava'.

Etymology

Precava comes from Latin parts pre- meaning 'before' and cava meaning 'hollow', the same cava as in vena cava. So, precava is the 'hollow' vein that sits in front of the heart and brings blood from the head, arms, and chest back to the heart.