What is the name of the vessel carrying blood from the lower half of the body to the heart?

The vessel that carries blood from the lower half of the body to the heart is known as the inferior vena cava. This large vein collects deoxygenated blood from the lower extremities, pelvis, and abdominal organs and transports it back to the right atrium of the heart. It plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by ensuring that blood returning from the lower parts of the body is routed efficiently back for oxygenation in the lungs.

In contrast, the superior vena cava is responsible for bringing deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart. The pulmonary artery carries oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation, while the coronary artery supplies blood directly to the heart muscle itself. Each of these vessels has distinct functions that are vital to the overall circulatory process.