How arteries are adapted to their function?
2 Answers
Jun 6, 2017
The structure of arterial walls helps the flow of blood from the heart.
Explanation:
The walls of arteries have three layers that all help the flow of blood that is pumped from the heart.
The outer layer is composed of collagen that provides structure and shape to the artery and helps it withstand the pressure exerted by the blood flow.
The middle layer is composed of elastic tissue and thick smooth muscle fibres that expand and contract so that the rhythmic pulsation pushes blood along.
The inner layer is composed of endothelial cells that are smooth to offer minimum resistance to blood flow.
Jun 6, 2017
They are thicker than veins.
Explanation:
This is one important adaptation as they have to carry oxygenated blood to the tissues at high pressure. So, they have thicker walls.
