MadSci Network: Anatomy
Query:

Subject: blue veins

Date: Wed Aug 14 23:43:41 1996
Posted by: John Biegun
Grade level: teacher/prof
School/Organization: Avondale Meadows
City: Auburn Hills State/Province: MI
Country: USA
Area of science: Anatomy
Message ID: 840084221.An
Message:
A previous questioner asked the reason for the blue-appearing
veins in our body. I understand the answer given: that the 
lack of oxygen makes blood appear maroon, almost purple- as I 
have seen when blood is drawn by a doctor. But that is 
not the color I see when I look at the veins in my arm: they 
really look BLUE! Is this some kind of optical illusion caused 
by the skin? What do veins look like during surgery? ( I don't
care to try this one at home!)

Re: blue veins

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