What is the primary function of veins in the cardiovascular system?

The primary function of veins in the cardiovascular system is to carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. After oxygen is delivered to the tissues, the blood becomes deoxygenated and is then collected by the veins. These vessels play a crucial role in the circulatory system by ensuring that blood returns to the heart to be reoxygenated in the lungs. This process is vital for maintaining proper blood circulation throughout the body and ensuring that tissues receive a continuous supply of oxygen.

While veins' role involves returning deoxygenated blood, arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. The regulation of blood flow is primarily controlled by the muscular walls of arteries, rather than by veins. The absorption of excess blood from the capillaries does not accurately represent the role of veins; instead, capillaries are the site where nutrient and waste exchange occurs. Overall, recognizing the specific roles of these vascular components helps in understanding the overall function of the cardiovascular system and the flow of blood within it.