Difference Between Arteries And Veins

The main differences between arteries and Veins are that arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart with high pressure, while veins collect deoxygenated blood back to the heart with low pressure, have valves to prevent backflow, and have thinner walls compared to arteries.

What are Arteries?

Arteries are an important part of your cardiovascular system. They are blood vessels that distribute oxygen-rich blood to your entire body. These tube-like vessels and the muscles inside them ensure your organs and tissues have the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. A condition called atherosclerosis can slow down blood flow through your arteries.

What are veins?

Veins are blood vessels located throughout your body that collect oxygen-poor blood and return it to your heart. Veins are part of your circulatory system and play an important role in keeping your blood moving.

They work together with other blood vessels and your heart to ensure that your blood is flowing properly. A majority of your blood is held in your veins – nearly 75% of it.

15 Differences Between Arteries And Veins

Here are the key differences  between arteries and veins:

Aspect	Arteries	Veins
1. Blood Transport	Transport blood away from the heart to the various parts of the body through capillaries	Collect blood from the body through capillaries and transport it towards the heart
2. Oxygenation of Blood	Carry oxygenated blood, except pulmonary artery	Carry deoxygenated blood, except pulmonary veins
3. Valves	No valves, except at the base of the pulmonary trunk and aorta	Valves are present to prevent backflow of blood
4. Blood Pressure	Higher blood pressure	Lower blood pressure
5. Pulse	Exhibits pulse due to the wave of blood pressure from heartbeats	No pulse
6. Blood Flow	Rapid flow, decreasing from aorta to arteries and arterioles	Flow rate increases from small to large veins
7. Diameter and Wall Thickness	Smaller bore and thick wall	Larger bore and thin walls
8. Muscle and Elastic Fibers	Thick layer of muscles and elastic fibers, aiding in pulsating blood flow	Thin muscle layer and fewer elastic fibers, less elastic
9. Location	Often deeper within the body	Located closer to the body’s surface
10. Collapsibility	Arteries are generally more rigid and less collapsible	Veins are more collapsible and can be compressed
11. Blood Volume	Arteries contain a smaller portion of total blood volume	Veins contain a larger portion of total blood volume
12. Branching	Arteries branch into smaller arterioles	Veins merge into larger venules
13. Blood Color	Arterial blood appears brighter, often reddish	Venous blood appears darker, often bluish-purple
14. Function in Capillary Beds	Arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to capillaries	Veins collect waste products and carbon dioxide from capillaries
15. Response to Injury	Arteries constrict to minimize bleeding when injured	Veins dilate to increase blood flow and assist in healing

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