Which best describe arteries and veins?

One of the major differences between arteries and veins is that the arteries carry oxygenated blood to all body parts, whereas veins carry the deoxygenated blood to the heart with the exception of pulmonary arteries and veins.

Table of Contents

• • Difference
  • Arteries And Veins
  • Diagram
  • Types

• • • Arteries Types
    • Veins Types

Read on to explore what are arteries and veins and their differences.

Differences Between Arteries and Veins

Following are the major differences between arteries and veins:

ARTERIESVEINSFunctionsInvolved in carrying oxygenated blood except for pulmonary arteriesInvolved in carrying deoxygenated blood except for pulmonary veinsWallsConsists of three distinct layers, which are rigid, thicker and highly muscular.Consists of three distinct layers, which are thinner and less muscular.PositionLocated deep within the body.Peripherally located closer to the skin.AppearanceRed in colour.Blue in colour.TransportsCarry blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.Carry blood towards the heart from the various parts of the body.Rate of pressureHigh pressure, as the blood flows by the pumping pressure of the heart.Low pressure, as the blood flows by the capillary action of the veins.Oxygen LevelComparatively higher oxygen level.Comparatively low oxygen level. Carbon dioxide Level The level of carbon dioxide is lowThe level of carbon dioxide is highThe direction of Blood FlowIn the downward direction from the heart to the body tissues.In the upward direction from the body tissues to the heart.LumenLumen is narrow.Lumen is wide.ValvesValves are absentValves are presentDisordersArteries are at a greater risk of certain diseases like angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, etc.Veins are less susceptible to diseases such as varicose veins.

Also Refer: Aorta vs Pulmonary Artery

Arteries and Veins

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, where it branches into even smaller vessels. Finally, the smallest arteries, called arterioles are further branched into small capillaries, where the exchange of all the nutrients, gases and other waste molecules are carried out.

Veins are the blood vessels present throughout the body. They are tube-like, translucent structures that function by carrying deoxygenated blood from the tissues to the heart for re-oxygenation. Compared to arteries, veins are thin-walled.

Also Refer: Human Heart

Arteries and Veins Diagram

The diagram below represents the difference between the arteries and veins.

Types of Arteries and Veins

Following are the different types of arteries and veins.

Types of Arteries

There are three different types of arteries:

• Elastic arteries: These are also known as conducting arteries that have a thick middle layer that stretches in response to each heart pulse.
• Muscular arteries: These are medium-sized arteries that draw blood from elastic arteries.
• Arterioles: These direct the blood into the capillaries. These are arterial divisions that transport blood away from the heart.

Types of Veins

The different types of veins include:

• Deep Veins: These are located deep within the muscle tissue.
• Superficial Veins: These are closer to the surface of the skin.
• Pulmonary Veins: These transport oxygenated blood to the heart from the lungs.
• Systemic Veins: These are present throughout the body and transport deoxygenated blood to the heart for purification.

Also Refer: Human Circulatory System – Transportation

Discover more about arteries and veins and the differences between the two only at BYJU’S Biology

Frequently Asked Questions on the Difference between Arteries and Veins