What is the primary difference between arteries and veins?

The primary distinction between arteries and veins lies in their function regarding the type of blood they carry. Arteries are responsible for transporting oxygenated blood away from the heart to various tissues throughout the body. This oxygen-rich blood is crucial for providing the necessary oxygen and nutrients for cellular functions. In contrast, veins carry deoxygenated blood, which is blood that has delivered its oxygen to tissues and is returning to the heart to be re-oxygenated in the lungs.

This functionality is fundamental to the circulatory system as it allows for efficient oxygen delivery to body tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products. Understanding this difference is essential in comprehending how the cardiovascular system operates, including how oxygen transport is managed through the different types of blood vessels.