What Are the Functions of the Blood Vessels?

It is always good to understand more about the workings of our bodies. Understanding more about how our blood vessels function will help us understand how each part of our body is literally connected. No part of our body lacks a blood supply. And it is our vessels that make it all possible.

Arteries

Arteries move blood away from the heart. The blood that the arteries carry is oxygenated blood only. If the blood in an artery contains no oxygen, the artery is a pulmonary artery.

Arterioles

Once the arteries are done with the blood, it moves it into the arterioles. While the blood is being passed through the arterioles it is regulated for proper flow as well as pressure.

Capillaries

After the arterioles have regulated the flow and pressure of the blood, it is moved into the capillaries, where the blood, along with oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, salts, and many other things, are exchanged. The capillaries are very thin vessels that act as a go-between for cells and their surrounding tissues.

Venules

Venules receive the blood from the capillaries, and in return give the blood to the veins.

Veins

The veins are the vessels that deliver the blood back to the heart. This blood is de-oxygenated, unlike the oxygenated blood that the arteries carry. If the blood in a vein is oxygenated, the vein is a pulmonary vein.

References

• Anatomy of Blood Vessels