How the Heart Works
Change text size
Blood Vessels
Several types of blood vessels carry blood to all parts of the body. Arteries carry "oxygen-rich blood" away from the heart to tissues throughout the body. Veins carry "oxygen-poor blood" back to the heart.
The oxygen-poor blood that returns from the body collects in the right side of the heart. It is then pumped into the lungs, where it receives a fresh supply of oxygen. This oxygen-rich blood then flows into the left side of the heart and gets pumped into arteries, which carry the oxygen and nutrient rich blood to various parts of the body.