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ABOUT THE VENOUS SYSTEM
The venous system describes the veins in the body forming a key part of the cardiovascular system. Its primary function is to transport blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen from the lungs to the cells and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for removal.
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The heart serves at the pump for this blood flow, circulating approximately five liters of blood per minute and ejecting 75ml with each heartbeat.
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Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart are called arteries, while those that return blood to the heart are called veins - collectively known as the venous system.
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Veins have valves to prevent blood from flowing backward and pooling in the legs and feet because returning blood from the legs is more challenging, these veins have more valves than those in the upper parts of the venous system.
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In addition to the valves the leg muscles - particularly the calf muscles - assist in returning blood to the heart. When walking, the contraction of these muscles acts as a pump, helping to move blood through the veins in the legs.
Veins in the body are divided into three types:
In the legs, the main superficial veins are called the 'saphenous
veins'
- The Great Saphenous vein is the longest one running
from the ankle to the groin on the inner leg.
- The Small Saphenous Vein runs from the outer ankle to
the back of the knee at the back of the calf muscle.
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When the venous system is not running as it should, various conditions can develop:
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Deep veins - as the name implies, these veins are located deep within the body, either in muscle tissue or along bones.
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Superficial veins – these are the veins nearer the surface of the skin located in the fatty layer under the skin; they connect to the deep veins via junctions
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Connecting (sometimes called 'perforating') veins – short veins that connect superficial and deep veins.
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Chronic Venous Insufficiency – occurs when blood 'pools' in the leg due to malfunctioning venous valves. While similar to varicose veins, this condition can lead to further symptoms such as ulcers and skin texture changes.
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Vascular Malformation – is a condition where blood vessels grow abnormally. It's a complex issue with many different forms and often starts in childhood. These malformations can be present for many years and may not cause noticeable problems right away.