Blood flows from the heart to the body and back to the heart. This nonstop flow is called circulation. Blood flows through blood vessels. These are hollow muscular tubes. There are 3 main types of blood vessels:
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Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
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Veins return oxygen-poor blood to the heart.
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Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. Capillaries have thin walls that let oxygen and nutrients pass through them to your body parts. They also allow waste products to move from your body parts to the blood.
Online Medical Reviewer: Anne Fetterman RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Deepak Sudheendra MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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