Which type of blood vessels carry blood back to the heart?

Veins are the type of blood vessels specifically responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. Their structure features thinner walls compared to arteries and includes valves that prevent the backflow of blood, ensuring a one-way flow back to the heart. This is crucial, as blood returning from the body is typically deoxygenated and must be sent to the heart for re-oxygenation in the lungs. Understanding this function is fundamental in physiology and assists in comprehending the circulatory system's overall operation, including blood flow dynamics and how the heart receives and pumps blood.