In: Nursing
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VEINS
Blood flows through three types of blood vessels namely, arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules and veins that are distributed throughout the body. Blood vessels are the tubular structures of smooth muscle
Blood vessels (also includes the veins) are the tubular structures of smooth muscle through which the blood flows. The blood vessels contain three layers are,
To prevent the backflow of blood in the veins due to the low pressure, they are equipped with the special structures known as “pressure valves.” These valves allow the blood towards the heart while preventing the backflow. The squeezing of veins by skeletal muscles and the presence of valves in veins push the blood to flow forward. The vasoconstriction also facilitates the venous blood flow.
Another factor that facilitates the venous blood flow is, “the respiratory movements.” The pressure in the thoracic cavity decreases during the inspiration. During this phase, the diaphragm contracts, the ribcage moves upward and forward.