What is the difference between arteries and veins?
Quick answer
Arteries carry blood away from the heart, usually oxygenated (except the pulmonary artery). They have thick, muscular, elastic walls to withstand high pressure, and no valves (except at the heart).
Veins carry blood towards the heart, usually deoxygenated (except the pulmonary vein). They have thinner walls, a wider lumen, lower pressure, and valves to prevent backflow of blood.
In short: arteries = away from heart, high pressure, thick walls; veins = towards heart, low pressure, valves.
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