superior vena caval orifice (anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The superior vena caval orifice is the opening of the superior vena cava into the right atrium. It is the route through which blood from the upper body is returned to the heart in adults.

The orifice is located in the posterosuperior part of the right atrium within the sinus venarum. Apart from the auricle, it forms the most superior structure in the chamber. The orifice is angled anteroinferiorly.

Unlike the inferior vena caval orifice, the SVC orifice does not possess a valve.