Arteries Veins Capillaries Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are the three main types of blood vessels?
Arteries, veins, and capillaries
What is the function of arteries?
To carry blood away from the heart.
What type of blood do arteries usually carry?
Oxygenated blood (except the pulmonary artery).
Describe the structure of arteries.
Thick, muscular, elastic walls and a narrow lumen to withstand high pressure.
What is the function of veins?
To carry blood back to the heart.
What type of blood do veins usually carry?
Deoxygenated blood (except the pulmonary vein).
Describe the structure of veins.
Thin walls, larger lumen, and valves to prevent backflow of blood.
What is the function of capillaries?
To allow the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.
Describe the structure of capillaries.
Very thin walls—one cell thick—to allow diffusion.
Where are capillaries located?
Between arteries and veins, within tissues and organs.
