College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia exam with our high-quality resources. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Elevate your exam readiness!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the primary function of the inferior and superior vena cava in the circulatory system?

  1. They pump oxygenated blood to the lungs

  2. They dump deoxygenated blood into the right atrium

  3. They transport blood from the lungs to the heart

  4. They facilitate the exchange of gases in the tissues

The correct answer is: They dump deoxygenated blood into the right atrium

The primary function of the inferior and superior vena cava in the circulatory system is to return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium of the heart. The superior vena cava collects blood from the upper parts of the body, such as the head, neck, and arms, while the inferior vena cava brings blood back from the lower parts of the body. Once this deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium, it is then directed to the right ventricle, which will pump it to the lungs for oxygenation. This return of deoxygenated blood is crucial for the overall function of the circulatory system, ensuring that carbon dioxide is expelled and oxygen is absorbed in the lungs. The correct understanding of the roles of the vena cavae is essential for grasping how blood circulation works as a whole, particularly in relation to the heart's anatomy and function.