What are the venae cavae?

The venae cavae are large veins that serve a critical role in the circulatory system by returning deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart. There are two main venae cavae: the superior vena cava, which carries blood from the upper body (head, neck, arms), and the inferior vena cava, which returns blood from the lower body (legs, abdomen). This process is essential for maintaining the circulation of blood, allowing for the replenishment of oxygen at the lungs and the removal of carbon dioxide. Understanding the function and structure of the venae cavae is fundamental in health care, especially in emergency medical situations where blood flow and circulation are vital.