Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What are veins?

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart
Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood
Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart
Blood vessels with thick muscular walls

The correct answer is: Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart, which is the primary function of the venous system in the cardiovascular system. After oxygen and nutrients have been delivered to the tissues by arteries, the deoxygenated blood returns through the veins. This process is essential for maintaining proper circulation and ensuring that carbon dioxide and waste products are transported away from the tissues back to the heart and subsequently to the lungs to be exhaled. While arteries are responsible for carrying blood away from the heart, and typically transport oxygenated blood (with the exception of the pulmonary arteries), veins are specifically designed to accommodate the lower pressure of blood returning to the heart. They are structured with thinner walls compared to arteries, which enables them to work effectively under this lower pressure and often contain valves that prevent backflow, allowing for efficient return flow of blood. Understanding the role of veins is critical for grasping how the circulatory system operates as a whole.