Where do the superior and inferior vena cava veins empty into?

Study for the HESI A2 Anatomy exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each designed to deepen your understanding. Prepare to excel and achieve your best score!

The superior and inferior vena cava are major veins responsible for returning deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. The superior vena cava collects blood from the upper regions of the body, including the head, neck, arms, and upper trunk, while the inferior vena cava collects blood from the lower regions, such as the legs and lower abdomen.

Both of these veins empty directly into the right atrium of the heart. This is a critical point in the circulatory process, as the right atrium receives all the deoxygenated blood before it is pumped into the right ventricle, which then sends the blood to the lungs for oxygenation. Understanding this entry point into the heart is essential for grasping how blood circulates through the body and how it is processed through the heart's chambers.

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