Blood Vessels

Question 1

Arteries

Answer 1

1. Carry oxygenated blood to body tissues
2. Small lumen to maintain high blood pressure
3. Smooth endothelial lining (less resistance to blood flow)
4. Thick layer of Smooth muscle ( Contract and Relax to dilate and constrict blood vessels.
5. Elastic fibers ( for elastic recoil)
   Lotsof collagen fibers for strength and support

Question 2

Veins

Answer 2

1.Carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs
2. Large Lumen to minimise resistance to flow
3. Thin layer of muscle and elastic fibers
4. Reduced collagen fibres
5. Valves to prevent backflow

Question 3

Capillaries

Answer 3

Very small
Narrow Lumen
Thin endothelium - 1 cell thick for a short diffusion pathway