Asked by andre correa on Jun 11, 2024
Verified
When contrasting arteries and veins, which of the following statements is true?
A) Veins have thicker walls than arteries.
B) Arteries have a thicker tunica media than veins.
C) Veins have a tunica media, while arteries do not.
D) Arteries have valves, but veins do not.
E) Arteries have smooth muscle in their walls, but veins do not.
Tunic Media
The middle layer of the wall of blood vessels, composed mostly of smooth muscle and elastic tissue, which regulates the diameter of the vessels.
Arteries
Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues, except for the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Veins
Blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart, typically carrying deoxygenated blood, except for the pulmonary and umbilical veins.
- Recognize the structural differences that separate arteries, capillaries, and veins.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJun 17, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Arteries have a thicker tunica media than veins, which is primarily due to the need for arteries to handle higher pressure from the heart's pumping action. This layer is made up of smooth muscle and elastic fibers, allowing arteries to regulate blood pressure and flow.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the structural differences that separate arteries, capillaries, and veins.