Question

Write four differences between arteries and veins.

Answer 1

Hint: The blood vessels are the most important components of the circulatory system that help in the transportation of blood throughout the body. Blood transportation is required because it helps in the distribution of nutrients, oxygen and other essential components to different parts of the body.

Complete answer:
There are five major types of blood vessels- arteries, arterioles, veins, venules and capillaries and each of them have different structures as well as distinct functions. Differences between arteries and veins is given in the following table.

Arteries	Veins
1. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and help to distribute it throughout the body.	Veins carry blood towards the heart and bring blood collected from different organs of the body.
2. They have thick and muscular outer layers with a small lumen.	They have thin and collapsible outer layers with a larger lumen.
3. No valves are present in the arteries.	Valves are present in veins to prevent the backflow of blood.
4. They are located deep inside the body and transports blood in pulses or jerks.	They are located towards the outer surface of the body, are observable subcutaneously and transport blood smoothly.

Note:
Blood vessels are associated with many diseases such as atherosclerosis where lipid build up happens in the wall of the vessel, hypertension that is caused by increased blood pressure, inflammation of the vessel due to some autoimmune disease, etc. Since the functions of the blood vessel are of great importance care must be taken to keep them disease free.