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Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Heart, Circulation and Breathing

Vein

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/veɪn/nounCore term

In anatomy & physiology, vein means: A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart. Most veins carry blood that is low in oxygen; the pulmonary veins are the exception, bringing oxygen-rich blood from the lungs.

In Turkish: toplardamar, ven

How it is used

Veins have thinner walls than arteries, and many veins in the limbs have valves that stop blood flowing backward. Blood samples are usually taken from a vein in the arm. The adjective is venous, as in venous return.

Example sentences

  1. The nurse took a blood sample from a vein in his forearm.

  2. Valves in the leg veins help blood return to the heart against gravity.

Common collocations

  • jugular vein
  • pulmonary vein
  • venous blood
  • venous return
  • vein valves
  • arteryA blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. Most arteries carry oxygen-rich blood; the pulmonary arteries are the exception, taking blood low in oxygen to the lungs.
  • capillaryThe smallest type of blood vessel, with a wall only one cell thick. Capillaries connect arteries to veins, and oxygen, nutrients and waste pass through their walls to and from the tissues.
  • heartThe muscular organ in the chest that pumps blood around the body. It has four chambers: two atria that receive blood and two ventricles that pump it out.
  • atriumOne of the two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood: the right atrium from the veins of the body and the left atrium from the lungs. Each passes blood down to its ventricle.

More terms: Heart, Circulation and Breathing

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.