How is blood in the feet returned to the heart against the force of gravity?

Question

Jeremiah Alexander · Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin is nothing to do with returning blood to heart.

Blood travels against gravity to the heart because when we walk, blood from veins is squeezed up. Veins that collect blood from our feet and legs have valves that prevent blood from returning to the legs.

Jeremiah Alexander · Answer

undefined Blood in the feet is returned to the heart against the force of gravity through a combination of mechanisms including the contraction of leg muscles, one-way valves in veins, and the respiratory pump. When leg muscles contract during movement, they squeeze the veins, pushing blood upward toward the heart. One-way valves in the veins prevent backward flow of blood, ensuring it moves in the right direction. Additionally, the respiratory pump assists in venous return; during inhalation, the pressure in the chest decreases, allowing blood to flow more easily toward the heart.

HIX Tutor · Answer

undefined To get blood from your feet back to your heart, your body uses muscles to squeeze the veins. This squeezing helps push the blood upward, against gravity. Valves in the veins prevent the blood from flowing backward, keeping it moving towards the heart.