Heart Anatomy: Major Blood Vessels & Their Functions

The following tubes are connected to the heart:

1. Arteries: Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

2. Veins: Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the rest of the body.

3. Capillaries: Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries to veins. They allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the body's tissues.

4. Pulmonary arteries: Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

5. Pulmonary veins: Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

6. Superior vena cava: The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart.

7. Inferior vena cava: The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart.

8. Coronary arteries: Coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.