Arteries and veins are both types of blood vessels that play essential roles in transporting blood throughout the body. Here are five key differences between them:
- Direction of blood flow: Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood back to the heart.
- Blood oxygenation: Arteries typically carry oxygenated blood (except for the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs). Veins typically carry deoxygenated blood (except for the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart).
- Wall structure: Arteries have thicker walls with more muscle tissue and elastic fibers, allowing them to withstand higher pressure from the heart's pumping action. Veins have thinner walls with less muscle tissue and rely on valves to prevent backflow.
- Blood pressure: Arteries have higher blood pressure than veins due to the force of the heart's contractions. Veins have lower blood pressure.
- Appearance: Arteries tend to be more deeply embedded within the body, while veins are often closer to the surface of the skin and can be seen more easily.
