Venous blood

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Blood returning to the heart through the veins

Venous blood
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Field	Hematology
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Venous blood is the blood that is returning to the heart through the veins. It is typically deoxygenated, having delivered oxygen to the tissues and collected carbon dioxide and other waste products. Venous blood is darker than arterial blood due to its lower oxygen content.

Characteristics

Venous blood is characterized by its dark red color, which is a result of the lower levels of oxygen and higher levels of carbon dioxide. It is collected from the capillaries and transported back to the heart through the venous system. The primary function of venous blood is to return deoxygenated blood to the heart, where it can be pumped to the lungs for reoxygenation.

Pathway

The pathway of venous blood begins in the capillaries, where it collects waste products from the tissues. It then flows into the venules and subsequently into larger veins. The major veins that carry venous blood back to the heart include the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava, which empty into the right atrium of the heart.

Clinical Significance

Venous blood is often used in medical tests because it is easier to obtain than arterial blood. Common tests that use venous blood include complete blood count (CBC), blood glucose levels, and blood chemistry panels. Venous blood is also used in venipuncture for intravenous therapy and blood donation.

Comparison with Arterial Blood

While venous blood is deoxygenated, arterial blood is oxygenated and bright red. Arterial blood is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. The differences in oxygen content and color are key distinguishing features between venous and arterial blood.

Related Pages

• Arterial blood
• Vein
• Capillary
• Heart
• Lungs
• Venipuncture
• Blood donation
• Complete blood count
• Blood glucose
• Blood chemistry