Vein

Definition

A vein is a type of blood vessel that carries blood towards the heart, typically transporting deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body, except in the case of pulmonary and umbilical veins which carry oxygenated blood. Veins are an essential component of the circulatory system, facilitating the return flow of blood to be reoxygenated and recirculated.

Related terms

Artery: Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.

Capillary: Capillaries are small, thin-walled blood vessels where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged with tissues.

Venous Return: Venous return refers to the process of blood returning to the heart via veins, crucial for maintaining cardiac output and systemic circulation