Veins are blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system, working in conjunction with arteries and capillaries to transport oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart and lungs for re-oxygenation.
Veins are composed of three main layers: the tunica intima, the tunica media, and the tunica externa. The tunica intima is the innermost layer and is composed of endothelial cells. The tunica media is the middle layer and is made up of smooth muscle and elastic tissue. The tunica externa is the outermost layer, consisting of connective tissue.
Veins function to transport deoxygenated blood from the body's organs and tissues back to the heart and lungs. They also serve as a reservoir for blood, helping to regulate blood flow and maintain blood pressure.