Arteries Vs Veins


	Arteries Vs Veins
	SimilaritiesGetting Started Both carry blood around the body Both are blood vessels Both have a lumen and elastic fibres surrounding it	Differences Arteries carry oxygenated blood. Veins carry de-oxygenated blood Arteries have a narrow lumen, which keeps the blood pressure high. Arteries have thick layers of elastic fibers and smooth muscle to withstand high pressures. Veins have a wider lumen and a thinner layer of elastic fibers and smooth muscle, because the blood pressure is not as high. Veins have valves to prevent backwards bloodflow
	Overall comparison Both are blood vessels, with a lumen and elastic fibers. However as they both carry different levels of oxygenated blood they have many differences.

Arteries carry oxygenated blood. Veins carry de-oxygenated blood
Arteries have a narrow lumen, which keeps the blood pressure high.
Arteries have thick layers of elastic fibers and smooth muscle to withstand high pressures.
Veins have a wider lumen and a thinner layer of elastic fibers and smooth muscle, because the blood pressure is not as high.
Veins have valves to prevent backwards bloodflow

Both are blood vessels, with a lumen and elastic fibers. However as they both carry different levels of oxygenated blood they have many differences.

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