3.3.19

Blood Vessels - Veins

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Veins

Veins form when capillaries join up after passing through the body. They transport deoxygenated (contains no oxygen) blood (apart from the pulmonary vein) from the organs back to the heart. They are different to arteries because:

Illustrative background for Thinner walls than arteriesIllustrative background for Thinner walls than arteries ?? "content

Thinner walls than arteries

  • The walls are thinner than those found in the arteries as the blood is at a lower pressure.
Illustrative background for Wider cross section than arteriesIllustrative background for Wider cross section than arteries ?? "content

Wider cross section than arteries

  • Low pressure hinders blood flow. This means that veins have a wider cross section through which blood can flow to counteract this.
Illustrative background for ValvesIllustrative background for Valves ?? "content

Valves

  • Veins have valves to prevent the backflow of blood.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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