Veins

Definition

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart. They play a crucial role in maintaining circulation and returning deoxygenated blood to be reoxygenated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Veins have thinner walls than arteries, making them less rigid and more prone to collapse.
2. They contain one-way valves that prevent the backflow of blood, ensuring it moves in a single direction toward the heart.
3. Poor nutrition can weaken vein walls and valves, leading to conditions like varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.
4. Adequate hydration and nutrients such as vitamin C and bioflavonoids are essential for maintaining vein health.
5. Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and weight management, significantly impact venous health and function.

Review Questions

• What structural differences between veins and arteries make veins more susceptible to collapse?
• How can poor nutrition affect the health of your veins?
• What role do one-way valves in veins play in maintaining proper blood circulation?

Related terms

Arteries: Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Varicose Veins: Swollen, twisted veins often caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A condition where leg veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart due to faulty valves.