Seth Ian F. Taleon
BSMT 13-Lec (GH)
Arteries and Veins

What are the differences between arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins carry blood towards the heart. With the exception of pulmonary blood vessels, arteries carry oxygenated blood and veins carry deoxygenated blood. Arteries have thick walls with muscle tissue. Veins have thinner walls and use valves to keep your blood flowing.Veins carry deoxygenated blood towards your heart and are often located close to your skin while arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to all of the body’s tissues.

Whitbourne, K. (2024, August 22). Heart anatomy, function, and blood circulation. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/high-cholesterol-healthy-heart

Why are veins thinner than arteries?

Veins and venules have much thinner, less muscular walls than arteries and arterioles. The pressure in veins and venules is much lower. Veins may dilate to accommodate increased blood volume. Arteries and arterioles have relatively thick muscular walls because blood pressure in them is high. Arteries must adjust their diameter to maintain blood pressure and to control blood flow.

Gupta, J. I., & Shea, M. J. (2022, September 12). Biology of the blood vessels. MSD Manual Consumer Version. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/biology-of-the-heart-and-blood-vessels/biology-of-the-blood-vessels

Are veins bigger than arteries?

No, arteries are much bigger than veins. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from your heart. They have thick walls and a muscular layer that keeps your blood moving. Arteries can be as wide as a nickel (about two centimeters). They are the largest type of blood vessel in your body.

Nicola, S. (2024, February 14). What’s the difference between arteries, veins, and capillaries? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/heart/difference-between-arteries-veins-capillaries

What are the two types of veins?

The two types of veins are superficial and deep veins. Deep veins can be found in your muscles and along your bones. Your deep veins do the important work of moving your oxygen-poor blood back to your heart. In your legs, your deep veins hold about 90% of the blood that travels back to your heart. Your deep veins contain one-way valves that keep your blood moving in the right direction. Your superficial veins are generally smaller than your deep veins. Like deep veins, they contain valves. Unlike deep veins, they’re not surrounded by muscle. Instead, your superficial veins can be found just underneath your skin. So, you can easily see them.

Professional, C. C. M. (2024b, May 1). Veins. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23360-veins

What are the similarities of arteries and veins?

Arteries and veins form a part of the circulatory system of the body. Both these vessels maintain the flow of the blood and provide oxygenated blood to the body. Furthermore, they also deliver deoxygenated blood back for purification. Besides blood circulation, they supply nutrients, hormones, and nourishment to the body. The circulation system also helps fight diseases and maintain body temperature.

Silverberg, L. (2021, July 1). Veins & Arteries Similarities and Differences – Top Varicose vein Treatment NYC. Top Varicose Vein Treatment NYC. https://www.varicoseveintreatmentnyc.com/veins-arteries-similarities-and-differences/