Blood is returned to the heart via the ________.

Blood returns to the heart via the veins, which are crucial components of the circulatory system. Unlike arteries, which carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues, veins are responsible for bringing deoxygenated blood back to the heart. This process is essential for the circulation of blood and is aided by the presence of one-way valves within the veins that prevent backflow, allowing blood to move steadily toward the heart.

Veins operate under lower pressure than arteries, reflecting their role in collecting blood from various veins throughout the body before it returns to the heart. Their structure, which includes larger lumen and thinner walls compared to arteries, facilitates this return flow, making veins an integral part of the cardiovascular system.