Question

The _______________ drains blood from areas inferior to the diaphragm: the lower limbs and abdominopelvic region of the body. It empties into the posterior portion of the atria, but inferior to the opening of the superior vena cava.

Answer 1

The inferior vena cava is a major vein that drains blood from the lower body and empties into the right atrium of the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The inferior vena cava is the large systemic vein that drains blood from areas largely inferior to the diaphragm. It collects blood from the lower limbs and the abdominopelvic region of the body and empties into the posterior portion of the right atrium of the heart, just below where the superior vena cava empties.

This major vein runs parallel to the abdominal aorta and receives blood from various abdominal veins including the renal veins and lumbar veins. The right atrium acts as the receiving chamber for this deoxygenated blood coming from the body's systemic circulation.