What is the difference between vein and artery

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Characteristics Arteries Veins 1. Blood Circulation Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body. Veins carry blood from the tissues of the body back to the heart. Blood Type Arteries carry oxygenated blood expect pulmonary artery. Veins carry deoxygenated blood except pulmonary vein. Thickness Arteries have thick elastic muscular walls.

Veins have thin non elastic less muscular walls. Position Arteries are usually positioned deeper within the body. Veins are usually positioned closer beneath the surface of the skin. Valves Valves are absent.

Valves are present. With every passing second, complex processes take place inside our bodies to keep it both healthy and alive. One of these processes is the transportation of blood to and from the heart — veins and arteries are the major blood vessels charged with this task.

Veins typically bring oxygen-depleted blood to the heart, while arteries transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Understanding the difference between veins and arteries will help you learn more about your possible diagnosis relating to varicose and spider veins. Gilvydis at Northern Illinois Vein Clinic immediately. To better understand the difference between arteries and veins, it is important to identify their characteristics.

Here are some of the features of veins, including their functions:. There are four types of veins, including deep veins, superficial veins, pulmonary veins and systemic veins. Like any other part of the body, arteries and veins are subject to disorders that may be caused by birth deformities, poor health or older age.

Here are a few you should know about:. Age and genetics often play a role in the health of your arteries and veins. However, making healthy life choices does help promote vein and artery health. Some additional tips include:. If you or anyone you know may be at risk for artery or vein disease , contact Northern Illinois Vein Clinic.

We help diagnose and treat patients of all ages, and will provide you with a plan of action to keep you healthy for years to come. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. These systems of tubes are either: Pulmonary.

What are the different types of arteries? What are the different types of veins? Artery and vein diagram. Anatomy of veins and arteries. The cardiovascular system.

The takeaway. Read this next. Is Blood Blue? Debunking 10 Common Health Myths. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.

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