Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.
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