Question

Veins draining the arms and head merge into a larger vein which then transports the blood to the right atrium of the heart; this larger vein is the ____________.

Answer 1

The superior vena cava is the large systemic vein that carries blood from the upper body, including the arms and head, to the right atrium of the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The veins that drain the arms and head merge into the superior vena cava, which is the large systemic vein responsible for transporting blood to the right atrium of the heart from the regions superior to the diaphragm. The superior vena cava collects blood from the head, neck, upper limbs, and chest, and then empties directly into the right atrium. In contrast, the inferior vena cava is the large systemic vein that carries blood from areas largely inferior to the diaphragm, such as the lower limbs and abdominopelvic region, to the right atrium.