BLOOD VESSELS

ARTERIES, VEINS AND CAPILLARIES

 ARTERIES
• Arteries are blood vessels that help carrying oxygenated
blood away from the chambers of the heart to various
organs in the body.
• Blood emerges from the heart in high pressure
conditions. Hence, Arteries have thick and elastic walls.
• They are red in color due to presence of hemoglobin in
oxygenated blood.
 VEINS
• Veins are blood vessels that help carrying de-
oxygenated blood from various organs in the body to
the chambers of the heart for the purpose of oxidation.
• They possess valves that ensure the flow of blood in
one direction. Hence, the blood isn’t under high
pressure and thick walls aren’t required.
• They are blue-greenish in color due to absence of
oxygen in the blood flowing through.
 CAPILLARIES
• On reaching an organ or a tissue, Arteries divide into
smaller blood vessels to bring the blood in contact with
all individual cells.
• The smallest vessels are known as Capillaries. Their walls
are comprised of only one layer of cells.
• They help in exchange of material between blood and
surrounding cells.
• The Capillaries then join together to connect Arteries to
Veins.
 STRUCTURE OF BLOOD VESSELS

Fun Fact: Did you know that almost 70% of your body’s
blood supply in located in your veins? They are
considered to be the masters of blood supply!