Types of Blood Vessels and Functions

Blood Vessel Function
ArteriesArtery carry oxygenated blood under high pressure from the heart to other parts of the body.
VeinsVeins carry deoxygenated blood from the organs and tissues back to the heart.
CapillaryCapillaries connect arteries and veins.

Main Arteries and Functions

Name of Artery Function
AortaLargest and principal artery which circulates oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through its branches.
Coronary ArteryA branch of Aorta which supplies oxygenated blood to the heart tissues.
Pulmonary ArteryOnly artery which carries deoxygenated blood. It carries blood from the heart to the lungs for purification.
Carotid ArteryThe artery which supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck.

Main Veins and Functions

Superior Vena CavaThis vein returns deoxygenated blood from the head, arms and thorax to the heart.
Inferior Vena CavaThis vein returns deoxygenated blood from the abdomen and legs to the heart.
Coronary VeinThis vein returns deoxygenated blood from the heart muscles to the heart.
Pulmonary VeinsFour pulmonary veins, two from each lung carry oxygenated blood from lungs to the heart.
Jugular VeinsThe vein that brings back deoxygenated blood from the head via the superior vena cava to the heart.