We, as humans, are a complex nexus of parts and pieces. Two of the most amazing are in the cardiovascular system. Arteries and veins. Both Veins and Arteries carry blood throughout the body. Let’s take a look at the difference.
Arteries are smaller than veins and have thick elastic muscular walls. They do not need valves because the blood flowing though travels at such a high pressure that it would never reverse accidentally. Arteries prime responsibility is to carry oxygenated blood to the body tissues.
Veins are larger yet thinner walled with few elastic fibers. They contain valves to keep the blood from backflowing in the wrong direction away from the heart. The purpose of veins is to carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Because arteries have no valves and stronger walls they do not experience varix (genitive varicis) which means dilated vein in Latin. With veins if, for varied reasons, the valves fail or become degenerated they can then pool and have a harder time than usual pushing and pumping the blood through and back up to the heart. This is when spider veins or varicose veins can begin to form.
Here at West Florida Vein Center we treat all kinds of venous insufficiency. If you are having vein issues – pain, swelling, itchy legs, heavy legs, visible varicose veins, spider veins, ulcerations, tiredness, even restless leg syndrome when you try and go to sleep at night. We would love to consult with you and see what we can do to help you get your leg health back to where it should be.
We are experts in the circulatory system. There is no need to live in pain. Give us a call today at 727-712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com.
