Arteries

Definition

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body. They have thick, elastic walls to withstand high pressure from the heart's pumping action.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arteries carry oxygenated blood except for the pulmonary arteries which carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
2. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and originates from the left ventricle of the heart.
3. Arterial walls consist of three layers: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa.
4. Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself.
5. Arteries help regulate blood pressure through their elasticity and muscular walls.

Review Questions

• What type of blood do arteries typically carry?
• Which artery is known as the largest in the body?
• Name one key function of arterial elasticity.

Related terms

Veins:

Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back towards the heart.

Capillaries: Capillaries are tiny blood vessels where gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues.

Aorta:

The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to distribute throughout the body.