venele

Venele is the Romanian term for veins, the blood vessels that return blood to the heart as part of the circulatory system. Veins form the venous network that complements the arterial system, and they include both superficial and deep vessels, as well as smaller veins called venules that drain capillary beds.

Anatomy and structure: Vein walls are thinner and less muscular than arteries, with three layers—intima, media, and adventitia. Many veins contain one-way valves that help prevent backflow, particularly in the limbs where blood must travel against gravity. Venules are the smallest veins, connecting capillaries to larger veins; postcapillary venules are a key site for leukocyte migration and inflammatory responses.

Function and physiology: Veins transport blood back toward the heart. In the systemic circulation, most veins carry deoxygenated blood, while the pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. Veins also serve as a reservoir for blood and can adjust their capacity to help regulate circulating blood volume. Muscle contractions, respiration, and venous valves work together to promote venous return.

Clinical relevance: Vein-related conditions include varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, which can cause discomfort and edema. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) poses a serious risk when clots form in deeper veins, potentially leading to pulmonary embolism. Diagnostic methods include duplex ultrasonography and venography, while treatment ranges from compression therapy to surgical or endovascular interventions in certain cases.

Notes: The term venele appears in Romanian medical language as the plural definite form for veins, with linguistic equivalents differing across languages (veins, venules). In biology, venules and veins are distinct but interconnected components of the circulatory system.