Peripheral vessels

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Peripheral Vessels

Peripheral vessels are a part of the circulatory system that function to transport blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. They include the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Peripheral vessels are composed of three layers: the tunica intima, the tunica media, and the tunica adventitia. The tunica intima is the innermost layer, the tunica media is the middle layer, and the tunica adventitia is the outermost layer.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of peripheral vessels is to transport blood throughout the body. They carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body's tissues and return deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Diseases[edit | edit source]

Diseases of the peripheral vessels, known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), can lead to serious health problems. PVD can cause pain, changes in skin color, difficulty walking, and ulcers or sores.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for diseases of the peripheral vessels can include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD