Which chambers of the heart receive blood from the venae cavae?

• A. Left atrium
• B. Right atrium
• C. Left ventricle
• D. Right ventricle

Answer: (B)

The right atrium is responsible for receiving deoxygenated blood from the body through the venae cavae, which are the superior and inferior venae cavae. This blood returns from the systemic circulation, bringing carbon dioxide and other waste products that need to be expelled from the body. Once the right atrium fills with blood, it then pumps this blood into the right ventricle, which subsequently sends it to the lungs for oxygenation.

In contrast, other chambers like the left atrium receive oxygenated blood from the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps this oxygen-rich blood out to the body. The right ventricle serves to pump blood to the lungs but does not receive blood directly from the venae cavae. Thus, the right atrium plays a crucial role in the heart's function by acting as the receiving chamber for systemic blood returning to the heart.