You can see some blood vessels on the outside of hands specially in older persons .are those veins or arteries?

The blood vessels that you can see on the outside of hands, especially in older persons, are veins. Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

Veins are typically located closer to the surface of the skin than arteries, and they are thinner and more flexible. This makes them more visible, especially in older people who have thinner skin. Arteries, on the other hand, are located deeper in the body and are thicker and less flexible. This makes them less visible.

In addition, veins often have valves that help to prevent blood from flowing backward. These valves can sometimes cause the veins to appear lumpy or bumpy. Arteries do not have valves, so they appear smoother.

If you are concerned about the appearance of the blood vessels on your hands, you should talk to your doctor.