What Are the Three Types of Blood Vessels in the Body?
Blood circulates through the body in a circle that travels from the heart, through the tissues, organs and lungs, and then back to the heart. Three types of blood vessels make up the circulatory system: arteries, veins and capillaries. Smaller blood vessels known as arterioles are types of arteries; venules are a type of vein. If placed end to end, blood vessels from one person would stretch over 60,000 miles, the Texas Heart Institute says. Each has a specific function; all are necessary for life.