The circulatory system contains an intricate network of blood vessels that distribute oxygen and blood throughout the body. It is what keeps every part of you very much alive, and without adequate supply of needed nutrients, your tissues can begin to deteriorate.
Our blood vessels are further classified into two kinds, namely our arteries and veins. While arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart, the veins bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Because both the arteries and veins have different functions from each other, they are also composed of different parts to help get the job done. For now, let’s talk about the veins and how they are unique in terms of composition.
Three Layers of the Vein Wall
The walls of our veins are relatively thinner compared to arteries to carry more blood. Aside from that anatomy, here are its three main layers:
Tunica Adventitia
This layer present in both types of blood vessels is the outer wall. It is made of mainly elastic fibres and connective tissues. The elasticity allows the vessels to stretch and accommodate blood flow.
Tunica Media
The tunica media is known as the middle layer of the blood vessel walls. It is composed of both elastic fibres and smooth muscle, further creating protection for the vessels.
Tunica Intima
The inner membrane of the blood vessels is known as the tunica intima. While arteries have an elastic lining and smooth endothelium in this layer, veins generally do not. Moreover, veins found in the limbs have valves in this layer, which allows blood flow to go in one, single direction.
Where do Vein Problems Occur?
The most prominent problem with veins is varicose and spider veins, which poses both a cosmetic and health issue. This is due to the blood piling up in the veins, which is usually caused by the valves found in the tunica layer to malfunction. This increases a person’s predisposition to having blood clots in veins, and the situation could further go south from there.
This being said, it is important that you seek attention when you have varicosities. Our vein specialists at VeinCare are more than capable of assisting you.
