Knowledge Center:

Blood Vessels

How Does Blood Travel Through The Body?
A system of blood vessels carries the blood through the body. These vessels include arteries, veins and capillaries.

Arteries - carry blood away from the heart. They are strong and elastic. They must be tough enough to withstand the pressure as the heart pumps.

Coronary Arteries - located in the heart muscle itself to supply it with oxygen nourishment. Blood flow comes to the coronary arteries from the left side of the heart and through the aorta.

Veins - carry blood back to the heart. They are not as strong and elastic as arteries. They have valves to keep the blood flowing in the right direction -- toward the heart.

Capillaries - carry blood to the cells. They are very small and fragile.