Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

19. The Blood Vessels

Veins

Anatomy & Physiology

19. The Blood Vessels

Veins

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1:35 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Which statement does not accurately describe veins?
a. Have less elastic tissue and smooth muscle than arteries.
b. Contain more fibrous tissue than arteries.
c. Most veins in the extremities have valves.
d. Always carry oxygen-poor blood.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure and function of veins: Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. They have thinner walls compared to arteries, less smooth muscle, and less elastic tissue, but they often contain valves to prevent backflow of blood, especially in the extremities.

Analyze the role of valves in veins: Most veins in the extremities (e.g., legs and arms) have valves to ensure unidirectional blood flow against gravity. This is a key feature of veins in these regions.

Compare the oxygen content in veins: While veins typically carry oxygen-poor blood, there are exceptions, such as the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart. This is an important distinction to consider.

Evaluate the fibrous tissue content: Veins contain more fibrous tissue than arteries, which provides structural support but does not make them as elastic as arteries.

Identify the incorrect statement: Based on the above analysis, determine which statement does not accurately describe veins. Pay close attention to the exceptions, such as the pulmonary veins, when evaluating the statement about oxygen-poor blood.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Structure of Veins

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. They have thinner walls compared to arteries, with less elastic tissue and smooth muscle, which allows them to accommodate varying volumes of blood. This structural difference is crucial for their function in the circulatory system.

Valves in Veins

Many veins, especially in the extremities, contain one-way valves that prevent the backflow of blood. These valves are essential for maintaining venous return to the heart, particularly against the force of gravity. Their presence distinguishes veins from arteries, which do not have valves.

Oxygen Content in Blood

While most veins carry deoxygenated blood, there are exceptions, such as the pulmonary veins, which transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. Understanding this distinction is important when discussing the general functions of veins in the circulatory system.

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