What is the main functional difference between arteries and veins in the circulatory system?

Explanation

Arteries carry blood away from the heart toward the body’s tissues, typically under higher pressure, while veins carry blood back toward the heart, generally under lower pressure and often assisted by one-way valves that prevent backflow. This is a functional distinction based on direction of blood flow relative to the heart, rather than strictly whether the blood is oxygenated, since pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs while pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood back to the heart. Arteries generally have thicker, more muscular walls than veins to withstand higher blood pressure. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.