The vena cava are the largest veins in the body (see fig. 1). Veins carry deoxygenated blood back toward the heart. The vena cava return deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium of the heart. From there, it can then be pumped to the lungs. The superior vena cava carries blood from the head, neck, and chest (see fig. 2). The Inferior vena cava carries blood from the legs and abdomen (see fig. 3).

Figure 1: View of the superior and inferior vena cava.

Figure 2: Superior vena cava carrying deoxygenated blood from the head, neck, and chest.

Figure 3: Inferior vena cava carrying deoxygenated blood from the legs and abdomen.