The Great Vessels

Question 1

What are the three vessels on the right side of the heart?

Answer 1

The superior vena cava
The inferior vena cava
The pulmonary trunk

Question 2

What is the function of the superior vena cava?

Answer 2

Brings deoxygenated blood back to the right atrium from the systemic circulation superior to the heart, ie the upper limbs, thorax, head and neck.

Question 3

What is the function of the inferior vena cava?

Answer 3

Brings deoxygenated blood to the right atrium from the systemic circulation inferior to the heart, ie. The abdomen, pelvis and lower limbs.

Question 4

What is the function of the pulmonary trunk?

Answer 4

This exits the right ventricle, taking deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Immediately superior to the heart, it bifurcates into the right and left pulmonary arteries which run into their respective lungs.

Question 5

What are the two blood vessels on the left side of the heart?

Answer 5

The pulmonary veins

The aorta

Question 6

What is the function of the aorta?

Answer 6

Known as the ascending aorta as it leaves the heart, this vessel carries high pressure, oxygenated blood to the body in the systemic circulation.

Question 7

What is the function of the pulmonary veins?

Answer 7

They enter the left atrium on the posterior aspect of the heart, carrying oxygenated blood from the pulmonary circulation.
There are 4 pulmonary veins:
Left superior and left inferior
Right superior and right inferior