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How big are veins?

Published in Human Anatomy 1 min read

The size of veins varies depending on their type and location in the body.

Here's a breakdown of vein sizes based on the provided reference:

Vein Size Chart

Vein Type Diameter (mm) Location
Postcapillary venules 12-35
Collecting venules 40-60 Upper and mid dermis
Collecting venules 100-400 Deeper tissues (enlarged from above)

Key Takeaways:

  • Postcapillary venules: The smallest veins, ranging from 12 mm to 35 mm in diameter.
  • Collecting venules: Located in the dermis, these start smaller (40-60 mm) in the upper and mid dermis and enlarge to a diameter of 100 to 400 mm in the deeper tissues.
  • Valves: One-way valves are found at the subcutis (dermis)–adipose junction on the venous side of the circulation. These valves prevent the backflow of blood.

In summary, the diameter of veins varies greatly depending on their specific function and location within the body.

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