Arteries

The arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body, with the exception of the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. Arteries are characterized by their thick, elastic, and muscular walls, which allow them to withstand and regulate the high pressure generated by the heart's contractions and to maintain continuous blood flow to peripheral tissues.

Structurally, arteries consist of three main layers: the intima (inner endothelial lining), the media (middle layer of smooth muscle and elastic tissue), and the adventitia (outer connective tissue layer). This composition enables arteries to function as both conduits and cushions, modulating the pulsatile output of the heart and ensuring efficient distribution of blood throughout the body.