What structure allows blood to flow toward the head?

Prepare for the Hawaii Massage Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

The vena cava is a major vein in the body responsible for returning deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the heart. Specifically, the superior vena cava collects blood from the upper parts of the body, including the head, neck, and arms, allowing for blood flow toward the heart. Once the blood arrives at the heart, it can then be pumped to the lungs for oxygenation.

In contrast, arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, with the aorta being the largest artery responsible for distributing oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, not specifically toward the head. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs; they do not direct blood flow toward the head but rather facilitate the exchange of materials between blood and tissues.

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