The anterior vena cava is formed by the union of the external jugular vein and brachial vein on either side. this is a large venous trunk receiving venous blood from the head, neck, fore limbs and a large part of the thoracic wall.
It is about 10 to 14 cm long and it passes in the anterior mediastinum below the trachea and right vagus, deviating to the right of the brachiocephalic trunk and its branches.
It opens into the right atrium where it is covered by pericardium.
It receives in its course the internal thoracic vein and the thoracic duct at the thoracic inlet on its superior face.
