Chapter 20, Problem 1RAC

Which of these structures returns blood to the right atrium?
a. coronary sinus
b. inferior vena cava
c. superior vena cava
d. Both b and c are correct.
e. All of these are correct.

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The interventricular artery, left marginal artery, circumflex, right marginal artery, posterior interventricular artery, great cardiac vein, and small cardiac vein are responsible for supplying blood to and from the heart.

Answer to Problem 1RAC

The correct answer is option (e) all of these are correct.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (e) All of these are correct. The right atrium is specifically supplied with the blood from several structures. Among all these structures, some supply specifically from the body to the right atrium and one from the heart itself. The inferior vena cava, superior vena cava, and the coronary sinus, all supply the right atrium with the blood. So, the correct answer is option (e).

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) coronary sinus. The coronary sinus supplies the blood from cardiac muscles, but along with this, inferior vena cava and superior vena cava also supply. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Option (b) inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava supplies the blood from below, but along with this, coronary sinus and superior vena cava also supply. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Option (c) superior vena cava. The superior vena cava supplies the blood from cardiac muscles, but along with this, inferior vena cava and coronary sinus also supply. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Option (d) Both b and c are correct. All the given options supply blood to the right atrium. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Conclusion

Thus, superior and inferior vena cava and the coronary sinus supply blood to the right atrium. Hence, the correct answer is option (e) All of these are correct.