The circulatory system is full of veins, arteries and capillaries that distribute blood throughout the body. Arteries transport bright red, oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The veins transport the darker, deoxygenated red blood from the heart to the heart to start the process again. But if blood is red, why might the veins appear blue?
Reasons why veins are blue. It’s just an optical illusion
The main reason why veins are blue is the way light waves hit the skin. White light can carry colors and wavelengths of different lengths. Red has the ability to travel the furthest. Violet wavelengths are the shortest, and all colors fall somewhere in between. This is why red light is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood, turning the blood red. On the other hand, blue waves don’t travel that far, so color is not absorbed in the same way. The result is the appearance of blue or green veins on the surface. Veins are the only vessels we can see from the surface of our skin because they are larger, have thinner walls, and are shallower than arteries or capillaries.
Complications to watch out for. Better to know about it
Although blue veins are normal, some complications may arise in this part of the body. You should pay attention to the symptoms of venous insufficiency, which is a condition in which the veins in your arms or legs do not allow blood to return to the heart. Here are the symptoms to look out for:
- Pain or throbbing.
- Edema.
- Heaviness.
- Cramps.
- Itchy.
- Smoking.
Source: Gazeta
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
