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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
