Artery

Definition

An artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues. Arteries have thick, muscular walls to withstand high pressure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arteries are part of the circulatory system and are crucial for transporting oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
2. The largest artery in the body is the aorta, which branches out into smaller arteries.
3. Arteries can become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, leading to conditions such as atherosclerosis.
4. Unlike veins, arteries do not have valves because the high pressure within them keeps blood flowing in one direction.
5. The inner layer of an artery is called the endothelium, which helps regulate blood flow and prevent clotting.

Related terms

Vein: A blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood toward the heart.

Capillary: The smallest type of blood vessel where gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues.

Atherosclerosis:

A condition characterized by the buildup of plaques within arterial walls, leading to reduced blood flow.