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. The largest artery in the body is the aorta.
2. Arteries branch into smaller arterioles which lead to capillaries.
3. Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself.
4. Pulse can be felt where arteries are close to the skin surface, such as the wrist and neck.
5. Arterial walls contain three layers: intima, media, and adventitia.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of arteries?
• Name the largest artery in the human body.
• Why do arterial walls need to be thick and elastic?

Related terms

Veins: Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart.

Capillaries: Microscopic blood vessels where exchange of substances between blood and tissues occurs.

Aorta: The main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart to all parts of the body except for the lungs.