Explain how arteries and veins differ in their structure and how this relates to their function? (4)

Arteries are vessels blood away from the heart whereas veins carry blood to the heart Arteries have thicker walls to cope with the higher pressure- muscle (contracts-to control blood flow) elastic (helps artery to expand)Veins have thinner walls with valves to prevent the backflow of deoxygenated blood Arteries have a narrow lumen, while veins have a wide lumen (use balloon analogy) Arteries transport oxygenated blood, except for the pulmonary artery, while veins transport deoxygenated blood, except for the pulmonary vein

GT
Answered by Ghazala T. Biology tutor

2299 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does a vaccination work?


Describe the process of saprophytic nutrition in soil microorganisms


Explain how plants meet the challenges of growing in hot, dry climates


What is the difference between a recessive and dominant allele?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning