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The blood flows through arteries because of the pressure generated by the heart and maintained by the action of the arterial muscles. Conversely, while veins also have a muscle, called the Tunica Media (the inner middle layer of the vein), aiding in propulsion of the blood flow through the heart, they must rely on internal valves to aid in propelling blood through them. Veins are a closed system, so they do not have the benefit of the pressure of the heart in propelling blood through them. The valves in veins assist in propusion of the blood through them and prevention of blood clots.

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12y ago

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