Differences between arteries and veins

Question 1

veins characteristics

Answer 1

• return blood towards heart
• thin walls
• valves to prevent back flow of blood
• large in diameter
• facilitate venous return

Question 2

arteries characteristics

Answer 2

• carry blood away from heart
• thick muscular walls help carry blood at higher pressures
• do not have valves
• small diameter
• elasticity
• contractility

Question 3

capillaries characteristics

Answer 3

• connect arterioles and venules
• smallest blood vessels (one cell thick)
• gaseous exchange takes place

Question 4

arteries

Answer 4

transport blood away from the heart