The importance of veins cannot be stressed enough. The main function of veins is to deliver blood to the heart. Without veins, our body would not be able to operate. Without veins, there would be no life. Because of this, it is of paramount importance that we protect these vital components of the circulatory system. Before you can protect your veins, you must first become well-informed about the role of veins in the human body, something Summit Skin & Vein Care knows well.
The Role of Veins in the Human Body
To keep things simple, we will break the circulatory system into two main components: veins and arteries. Arteries help transport blood from our hearts to the rest of our body, while the function of veins is to pump blood back into the heart. Veins have a much more complicated job than this simple explanation. While arteries are crucial, gravity’s downward force makes their job of dispersing blood throughout the body much easier. Veins, on the other hand, are faced with the difficult task of delivering blood back to the heart, all while going against gravity.
Two-Layer Composition of Veins of the Body:
There is nothing accidental about the layout of veins in our body. Simply put, our circulatory system has a two-layer vein anatomy: deep and superficial veins. Superficial veins are comprised in groups of thousands; some so small that they aren’t visible to the eye.
Superficial Veins
You can think of superficial veins as collectors of sorts. Together, these veins work in unison to collect blood from our skin and surrounding superficial tissues. The blood they collect is then moved into our deep veins, which run parallel to our muscles.
Deep Veins
Once blood enters these deep veins, blood is pumped to the heart as these large muscles contract, moving blood along the circulatory system. Healthy veins — deep and superficial alike — have a one-way valve that allows blood to flow upward, toward the heart, but not downward. However, due to genetics and day-to-day health complications, these veins are sometimes unable to function properly.
Veins: Medical Complications
“Reflux” is a medical condition that refers to the backflow of blood in the circulatory system. This can be a serious problem, as it can sometimes prevents adequate blood from reaching the heart. Reflux can develop from hereditary conditions, although changes like pregnancy and medications can also stretch the one-way valves in veins. Blood clots and other trauma to the veins can also have damaging effects.
Treatment for Vein Problems
If you are suffering from a vein-related health condition, it important that you seek medical treatment. Venous complications can come in varying degrees, so determining how serious your condition is is an absolute must.
To learn about our vein treatments and free vein quick scan services, contact Summit Skin & Vein Care at (816) 533-4398.