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Multiple Choice

Which blood vessels carry blood toward the heart?

Veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart. After blood passes through capillary beds where exchange occurs, it is collected into venules and then into larger veins that drain back to the heart, completing the circuit. This direction contrasts with arteries, which carry blood away from the heart, and with capillaries where exchange happens. Veins often carry deoxygenated blood in the systemic circulation, though pulmonary veins are a notable exception because they return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. Valves in many veins help prevent backflow, aiding the return of blood to the heart especially against gravity.

Veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart. After blood passes through capillary beds where exchange occurs, it is collected into venules and then into larger veins that drain back to the heart, completing the circuit. This direction contrasts with arteries, which carry blood away from the heart, and with capillaries where exchange happens. Veins often carry deoxygenated blood in the systemic circulation, though pulmonary veins are a notable exception because they return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. Valves in many veins help prevent backflow, aiding the return of blood to the heart especially against gravity.