Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?

Blood vessels play specific roles in the circulatory system, and arteries are the type that carries blood away from the heart. Their primary function is to transport oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart to the rest of the body. This process is crucial for delivering the oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular function. The walls of arteries are typically thick and elastic, allowing them to withstand the high pressure created by the heart as it pumps blood.

Veins, in contrast, transport blood back to the heart, often carrying oxygen-depleted blood. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between the blood and tissues. Venules are small vessels that collect blood from capillaries and lead it to veins. Understanding these different roles helps clarify why arteries are specifically designated for carrying blood away from the heart.