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Heart Health

Understanding Circulation

Image of heart vessels
Some Major Vessels

Nonstop flow of blood from the heart to the body and back to the heart again is called circulation. Blood vessels are hollow muscular tubes that carry blood throughout your body, much like pipes circulate water in your home.

Veins are vessels that return oxygen-poor blood to the heart.

Arteries are vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood to your body.

Publication Source: Parker, S, The Human Body Book, Cardiovascular System, 2007, pp 112-127
Date Last Reviewed: 1/15/2007
Date Last Modified: 8/14/2003