Figure 3.

A: Anatomic relationship of the superior vena cava (SVC), right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV), and the esophagus (arrow). B: Anatomic relationships of the SVC and aortocaval ganglion. The aortocaval ganglion is located in the aortocaval recess of the pericardium, which is bound anterolaterally by the SVC and posteromedially by the ascending aorta. The right pulmonary artery (RPA) forms the floor of the recess. The aortocaval ganglion receives parasympathetic preganglionic neurons from the vagus nerve. Postganglionic neurons then project to the sinus node, atrial muscle, and muscle sleeve of the SVC. LA = left atrium; RV = right ventricle.