The right atrium serves as the portal for blood entering into the heart. Both atria are the "pumping stations" of the heart -- they are the receiving areas for blood entering in and out of this vital muscle. There are two major veins connected to the right atrium: the superior and inferior vena cava. The superior vena cava brings blood into the heart from the upper portion of the body while the inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower parts of the body. Through these two major roadways, deoxygenated blood is brought into the heart so that it can be refreshed with oxygen. Also within the right atrium are two valves that connect the superior and interior vena cavas: the Coronary and Eustachian valves. These valves monitor the blood flow that travels into the right atrium from the two major veins.

HEART TOUR: