What carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?

The pulmonary veins are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart. After blood picks up oxygen in the lungs through the process of respiration, it is collected by these veins, which specifically transport this oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium of the heart. This oxygenated blood is then sent to the rest of the body to supply tissues and organs with the oxygen they need for various functions.

In contrast, other options pertain to different roles in the circulatory system. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The aorta, which is the main artery of the body, distributes oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. The vena cava brings deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart, specifically into the right atrium. Understanding these functions is crucial for comprehending how blood circulates within the body and the significance of each vessel in this process.