The type of blood vessel that returns blood to the heart is called a vein. Veins carry blood back to the heart from various parts of the body. Examples include the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava, which return deoxygenated blood from the upper and lower body to the heart, respectively. Pulmonary veins are a special case, as they carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart. In summary:
- Veins return blood to the heart.
- The superior and inferior vena cava return deoxygenated blood from the body.
- Pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood from the lungs.
Thus, veins are the main blood vessels responsible for returning blood to the heart. This includes normal systemic veins as well as pulmonary veins in the lung circulation. This information is supported by detailed cardiovascular anatomy sources.
