Blood Vessels

Question 1

What is the structure of arteries? And what function do they have?

Answer 1

• Have thick muscular walls (high pressure)
• Are elastic
• Carry blood away from the heart
• Usually carry oxygenated blood (except the pulmonary artery)

Question 2

What is the structure of veins? And what function do they have?

Answer 2

• Have thin walls
• Have non-return valves
• Carry blood towards the heart
• Usually carry deoxygenated blood (except the pulmonary vein)

Question 3

What is the structure of capillaries? And what function do they have?

Answer 3

• Are one cell thick

- Allow for diffusion of oxygen to the muscle and carbon dioxide from the muscle

Question 4

What is venoconstriction?

Answer 4

Narrowing of venous blood vessel walls