Blood Vessel

A tubular structure that carries blood through the cardiovascular system.

The major types are arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries generally carry blood away from the heart, veins generally return blood to the heart, and capillaries are tiny vessels where exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products occurs between blood and tissues.

Blood vessels vary considerably in structure according to their function and location.

QUICK FACT

Not all arteries carry oxygen-rich blood and not all veins carry oxygen-poor blood. The pulmonary circulation is an important exception.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

Blood flow: the movement of blood through a vessel or tissue; a blood vessel is the structure through which the blood moves.

SEE ALSO

Clinical & Educational Context

Discussed in Health Articles & Guides

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