The vena cava consists of two major veins in the human body: the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. Their primary function is to carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
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Superior Vena Cava: This vein collects blood from the upper parts of the body, including the head, neck, arms, and chest. It drains into the right atrium of the heart.
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Inferior Vena Cava: This vein collects blood from the lower parts of the body, including the abdomen and legs. It also drains into the right atrium of the heart.
Together, the vena cavae play a crucial role in the circulatory system by returning carbon dioxide-rich blood to the heart, where it can be pumped to the lungs for oxygenation.