Which blood vessels carry blood into the right atrium?

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In the human cardiovascular system, three primary vessels deliver oxygen-depleted blood into the right atrium:

  • Superior vena cava: This major vein returns blood from the head, neck, arms, and the upper half of the body.12
  • Inferior vena cava: This vessel collects blood from the lower body, including the legs, abdomen, and pelvic organs, and empties into the right atrium below the entry point of the superior vena cava.12
  • Coronary sinus: This venous channel drains the majority of the blood from the heart muscle itself directly into the right atrium.34