Veins

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. Most veins carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart; exceptions are the pulmonary and umbilical veins, both of which carry oxygenated blood to the heart. In contrast to veins, arteries carry blood away from the heart.

Structure

Veins are present throughout the body as tubes that carry blood back to the heart. Veins are classified in a number of ways, including superficial vs deep, pulmonary vs systemic, and large vs small.

Types of veins

• Superficial veins are those closer to the surface of the body.
• Deep veins are deeper in the body and have corresponding arteries.
• Pulmonary veins are a set of veins that deliver oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
• Systemic veins drain the tissues of the body and deliver deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Function

The primary function of veins is to return blood to the heart. They also help control body temperature by regulating the amount of blood flowing to the skin.

Clinical significance

Veins can become swollen and painful, often as a result of varicose veins. They can also be a site for thrombosis, the formation of blood clots.

See also

• Artery
• Capillary
• Circulatory system
• Heart
• Blood vessel

Veins Resources
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