ARTERIES, CAPILLARIES AND VEINS
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF ARTERIES, CAPILLARIES AND VEINS What are Arteries? Arteries carry blood away from the heart. They carry oxygenated blood except pulmonary artery which carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Arteries have a thick, muscular wall, which has elastic and collagen fibres that resist the pressure of the blood flowing in them. The high pressure is due to the pumping action of the heart. The pressure in the arteries originates from the pumping action of the heart. The pulse or number of times the heart beats per minute can be detected by applying pressure on an artery next to the bone. g. by placing the finger/thumb on the wrist. The innermost layer of the artery is called endothelium which is smooth. It offers least possible resistance to blood flow. Have a narrow lumen. The aorta forms branches which supply blood to all parts of the body. These… Read More »ARTERIES, CAPILLARIES AND VEINS