Arteries

Arteries

1. Carry blood AWAY from the heart towards the cells of the body

   • Arteries leaving the heart branch off in all directions
     • The diameter of the lumen gets smaller the further it is from the heart
       • The smallest branches of the arterial system are called arterioles and are the furthest away from the heart
         • These can also be called peripheral arteries
           • These small arteries differ in sizes therefore regulating the amount of blood flowing through it too a specific organ
       • The blood pressure is highest closer to the heart

2. Almost ALL arteries carry oxygenated blood

   • EXCEPTIONS
     • Pulmonary Artery carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs
     • Pregnancy: the umbilical Artery carries deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta

3. Blood is pumped from the heart sending a pressure surge through the arteries

   • Major arteries close to the heart to withstand the pressure
     • Their walls contain elastic fibers so they can stretch and accommodate the great volume of blood
       • Between surges the elastic fibers return to their original length, squeezing the blood so it can flow

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