Arteries
Cardiovascular System
Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the heart towards the tissues; all arteries except the pulmonary arteries (and the umbilical arteries in the foetus) carry oxygen-rich blood.
Characteristics
- Thick wall: a thick middle layer of smooth muscle and elastin.
- High pressure: on average about 90–100 mmHg in large arteries.
- Pulsatile: the pressure wave of each beat can be felt in the arteries.
- Shape retention: arteries stay round even when empty of blood.
Functions
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