Which vessels are involved in carrying blood away from the heart?

Arteries are the vessels responsible for carrying blood away from the heart. They have thick, elastic walls designed to handle the high pressure of blood that is pumped directly from the heart. This facilitates the flow of oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body, ensuring that tissues receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients for proper functioning.

In contrast, veins carry blood back to the heart, while capillaries are small vessels that facilitate the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues. Venules are small vessels that collect blood from capillaries and lead it into veins. Understanding these roles helps clarify the function of arteries in the circulatory system.