kraujagysli

Kraujagyslis is the Latvian word for blood vessel. Blood vessels are essential components of the circulatory system, responsible for transporting blood throughout the body. They form a vast network that reaches nearly every cell, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products like carbon dioxide. There are three main types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Arteries are thick-walled vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The largest artery is the aorta. Arteries branch into smaller vessels called arterioles, which then lead to capillaries.

Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. They generally have thinner walls than arteries and contain valves to prevent backflow of blood, especially in the limbs where blood must be pumped against gravity. The largest veins are the superior and inferior vena cava.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels, forming a dense network within tissues. Their thin walls allow for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and the surrounding cells.

The health of blood vessels is crucial for overall well-being. Conditions such as atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up inside arteries, can impair blood flow and lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking, is vital for keeping the kraujagysli system functioning properly.