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Glite Dictionary
brachiocephalic vein

brachiocephalic vein

8.4
A large neck vein where two veins join to carry blood to the heart
  • noun
  • /ˌbreɪkiəʊsɪˈfælɪk veɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vena braquiocefálica
  • The right and left brachiocephalic veins join to form the superior vena cava.

Examples

  • The brachiocephalic vein carries blood from the head and arms.

  • During surgery, the brachiocephalic vein was carefully exposed to prevent accidental injury.

  • A blood clot in the brachiocephalic vein can lead to serious complications.

  • Surgeons often check the brachiocephalic vein during heart surgery.

  • A blood clot in the brachiocephalic vein can lead to serious complications.

  • During surgery, the brachiocephalic vein was carefully exposed to prevent accidental injury.

  • The right and left brachiocephalic veins join to form the superior vena cava.

Synonyms

innominate vein
vsbrachiocephalic vein
  • Specialized
1 7.9

One of two large chest veins that carry blood from the head and arm to the heart

are located in the neck rather than in the chest
vena brachiocephalica
vsbrachiocephalic vein
  • Specialized
8.4

A large vein at the side of the neck that carries blood from the head and arms to the heart

is defined by joining two neck veins and forming the superior vena cava

How Technical

innominate vein
  • Specialized
1 7.9
brachiocephalic vein
  • Specialized
8.4
thoracic vein
  • Specialized
6.3

Surface Forms

brachiocephalic vein singular
brachiocephalic veins plural

Morphology

brachiocephalic + vein

The compound is fully compositional: 'brachiocephalic' denotes something relating to the arm (brachio-) and head (cephalic), and 'vein' is a blood vessel returning blood to the heart. A learner who knows both constituent meanings can therefore infer this is the vein serving the head and arms (i.e. a large vein formed by joining head and arm venous tributaries), and the medical morphology parallels across languages supports this transparent reading.

Etymology

The term brachiocephalic vein comes from two word parts: brachio- meaning 'arm' and cephalic meaning 'head', because this large vein gathers blood from the arm and the head. So the name helps you remember it is the big vein that links those areas and carries blood toward the heart.