Arteries and veins are both blood vessels that are essential for the circulatory system, but they have distinct functions and characteristics:
Arteries:
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except the pulmonary artery).
They have thicker walls and higher pressure due to the blood being pumped directly from the heart.
The lumen (inner diameter) of arteries is narrower.
Arteries are located deeper inside the body.
Veins:
Veins carry deoxygenated blood towards the heart (except the pulmonary vein).
They have thinner walls and lower pressure compared to arteries.
The lumen of veins is wider.
Veins are located closer to the surface of the skin and often have valves to prevent backflow.
Conclusion:
Arteries and veins serve complementary roles in the circulatory system, with arteries transporting oxygenated blood away from the heart and veins returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart.