Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. They are part of the circulatory system, which is responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body.
Veins have thinner walls compared to arteries, as they are not under as much pressure from the pumping of the heart. They also have valves that help prevent the backflow of blood and assist in the upward flow of blood towards the heart.
The primary function of veins is to transport deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the heart and lungs, where it can be replenished with oxygen. Veins also help regulate the body's temperature and maintain proper blood pressure.