Supra is a Latin prefix meaning ‘above’, ‘over’, or ‘beyond’. In medical terminology, it describes structures, conditions, or processes located above a specified anatomical reference point. The opposite prefix is infra (meaning ‘below’ or ‘beneath’). In cardiovascular medicine, ‘supra-‘ appears in several important terms. Supraventricular means ‘above the ventricles’ and describes arrhythmias originating in the … Read more
The superior vena cava (SVC) is the large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the head, neck, arms, and upper chest to the right atrium of the heart. It is formed by the junction of the two brachiocephalic veins and descends into the right atrium. Together with the inferior vena cava (which collects blood from … Read more
The subclavian arteries are the two major arteries (right and left) that arise from the aortic arch and supply blood to the arms, neck, and parts of the brain. Each subclavian artery runs beneath the clavicle (collarbone) and continues distally as the axillary and then the brachial artery supplying the arm. The subclavian arteries also … Read more