The major veins of the systemic circulation are shown in the diagram alongside.

The main veins of the systemic circulation are the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.

The main tributaries of the superior vena cava are:

• the jugular veins from the brain, head and neck
• the subclavian veins from the arms and chest wall.

The main tributaries of the inferior vena cava are::

• the hepatic vein from the liver
• the renal veins from the kidneys
• the common iliac veins from the lower limbs (note that many names in the lower limbs have similar names to the corresponding arteries).