Normal venous blood flow


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Normal venous blood flow


Illustration of normal venous blood flow

Illustration copyright 2004 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

In healthy veins, the blood flows in one direction. The valves of the vein allow blood flow in the right direction and prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction. This keeps blood cells from collecting in the vein and forming a blood clot (called a thrombus).

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Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Last Updated September 11, 2007

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Last updated: September 11, 2007
Reviewed By: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology

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