What is the term used for the amount of blood returned to the heart by the veins?

Venous return refers to the volume of blood that returns to the heart through the veins after circulating through the body. This process is essential for maintaining adequate blood circulation and ensuring that the heart has enough blood to pump out to the rest of the body. The efficiency of venous return is influenced by various factors, including the pressure within the veins, the action of surrounding muscles (like during physical activity), and the presence of valves in the veins that help to prevent backflow.

In contrast, blood volume generally refers to the total amount of blood in the circulatory system rather than just the blood returning to the heart. Cardiac output measures the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, linking closely to venous return but not synonymous with it. Blood pressure specifically refers to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels and does not directly define the volume of blood returning to the heart.