Where do all major veins ultimately drain?

• A. Aorta
• B. Vena cava
• C. Pulmonary vein
• D. Capillary bed

Answer: (B)

Veins return blood to the heart, and the major systemic veins all funnel into the vena cava, which empties into the right atrium. This is why the vena cava is the final common drainage point for most venous return from the body. (Note: pulmonary veins are an exception, returning blood from the lungs to the left atrium as part of the pulmonary circuit. The aorta is an artery, not a vein.)