Inferior vena cava

Definition

The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle part of the body to the right atrium of the heart. It plays a crucial role in the venous return part of systemic circulation.

Related terms

Venous Return: The process by which blood returns to the heart via veins after circulating through the body.

Right Atrium: The right upper chamber of the heart that receives deoxygenated blood from the body through veins like the inferior vena cava.

Systemic Circulation: The part of blood circulation that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body, and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart