Veins are a type of blood vessel that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart from various parts of the body. Explore how different veins look, work, and help support the cardiovascular system.

Doctor examining a man's neck
Jugular Vein: Anatomy, Function, and Significance
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Doctor pointing to model of the human liver
Portal Vein: Anatomy, Function, and Significance
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Doctor showing his patient a model of a human heart
Inferior Vena Cava: Anatomy, Function, and Significance
Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD
The cardiovascular system
How Blood Flows Through the Heart and Lungs
Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD
Illustration of veins and capillaries
Capillary Structure and Function in the Body
Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD