Venous Return Mechanisms Lab Report

Venous return mechanisms are of significant importance particularly in the lower limbs as blood pressure is veins is lower than that of arteries and the blood has to travel against gravity to return to the heart.
Valves in the veins are essential in permitting unidirectional blood flow that enhances venous return and prevents back flow. Skeletal muscle contractions in the lower limbs help increase venous return to the heart by constricting veins; creating pressure and forcing blood back to the heart.
While at rest, both the proximal and distal valves of the lower limb are open and blood can flow through. When we contract the lower limb through plantar flexion, it compresses the vein. The proximal valve opens and forces blood through with