Peripheral Blood Vessel (PVS)

Peripheral blood vessels refer to the arteries and veins located outside of the heart and brain, primarily in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. These vessels are part of the peripheral vascular system (PVS), which is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to peripheral tissues and returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart for reoxygenation. They deliver oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells to tissues throughout the body and remove waste products such as carbon dioxide. Dysfunction leads to significant morbidity due to impaired perfusion of extremities and organs outside central cardiovascular structures.

Other names

Peripheral vascular systemPVSArteries and veins (peripheral)Peripheral vasculature

Varies depending on the drug; includes vasodilation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, anticoagulation, and lipid lowering