Which vessels return deoxygenated blood to the heart from the body?

• A. Superior vena cava and inferior vena cava
• B. Pulmonary veins
• C. Aorta
• D. Pulmonary arteries

Answer: (A)

Deoxygenated blood from the body returns to the heart through the systemic veins, entering the right atrium via two large vessels: the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The superior vena cava drains blood from the head, neck, and upper limbs, while the inferior vena cava drains the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs. From the right atrium, blood moves to the right ventricle and is then pumped to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries for oxygenation. In the lungs, blood becomes oxygenated and returns to the left side of the heart through the pulmonary veins, then is distributed to the body via the aorta.