vein

What is a "vein"?

A vein is a type of blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the heart. Veins have thinner walls compared to arteries and often have valves to prevent the backward flow of blood. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system, facilitating the return of blood to the heart for oxygenation. Veins are distributed throughout the body, working in coordination with arteries to maintain proper blood flow and ensure the efficient exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the tissues and the cardiovascular system.