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Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 11th EditionCh. 21 Blood Vessels and CirculationProblem 16
Chapter 21, Problem 16

The vein that collects most of the venous blood inferior to the diaphragm is the 
(a) Superior vena cava
(b) Great saphenous vein
(c) Inferior vena cava
(d) Azygos vein

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the venous system. The venous system is responsible for returning deoxygenated blood to the heart. The veins are categorized based on their location and function, such as superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and others.
Step 2: Recall the function of the inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava is the largest vein in the body and is responsible for collecting venous blood from structures located inferior to the diaphragm, including the lower limbs, pelvis, and abdomen.
Step 3: Compare the options provided. The superior vena cava collects blood from structures superior to the diaphragm, the great saphenous vein is a superficial vein in the leg, and the azygos vein drains blood from the thoracic region. Only the inferior vena cava matches the description of collecting blood inferior to the diaphragm.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on their anatomical roles. The superior vena cava, great saphenous vein, and azygos vein do not collect most of the venous blood inferior to the diaphragm.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the vein responsible for collecting venous blood inferior to the diaphragm, which is the inferior vena cava.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Inferior Vena Cava

The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. It collects blood from the abdominal organs, pelvis, and lower limbs, making it crucial for venous return. Understanding its role is essential for recognizing how blood circulates in the body, especially below the diaphragm.
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Venous Blood Flow

Venous blood flow refers to the movement of deoxygenated blood through the veins back to the heart. This process is vital for maintaining circulation and ensuring that carbon dioxide and waste products are efficiently removed from the body's tissues. Knowledge of venous blood flow helps in understanding the overall circulatory system and the significance of major veins like the inferior vena cava.
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Anatomy of the Circulatory System

The anatomy of the circulatory system includes the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries, which work together to transport blood throughout the body. Familiarity with this anatomy is important for identifying the functions of various blood vessels, including the major veins that drain blood from specific regions, such as the inferior vena cava for the lower body.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

A major difference between the arterial and venous systems is that 

(a) Arteries are usually more superficial than veins.

(b) In the limbs there is dual venous drainage.

(c) Veins are usually less branched compared to arteries.

(d) Veins exhibit a much more orderly pattern of branching in the limbs.

(e) Veins are not found in the abdominal cavity.

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Textbook Question

The paired arteries supplying blood to the body wall and other structures outside the abdominopelvic cavity include the:

a) Left gastric, hepatic, splenic, and phrenic arteries

(b) Adrenal, colic, lumbar, and gonadal arteries

(c) Iliac, femoral, and lumbar arteries

(d) Celiac, left gastric, and superior and inferior mesenteric arteries

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Textbook Question

The vein that drains the dural sinuses of the brain is the 

(a) Cephalic vein

(b) Great saphenous vein

(c) Internal jugular vein

(d) Superior vena cava

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Textbook Question

The unpaired arteries supplying blood to the visceral organs include:

(a) The adrenal, renal, and lumbar arteries

(b) The iliac, gonadal, and femoral arteries

(c) The celiac and superior and inferior mesenteric arteries

(d) All of these

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Textbook Question

What are the primary forces that cause fluid to move?

(a) Out of a capillary at its arterial end and into the interstitial fluid

(b) Into a capillary at its venous end from the interstitial fluid?

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Textbook Question

What cardiovascular changes occur at birth?

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