Question

Compare the structure and function of arteries and capillaries. Which of the following best describes their differences? A) Arteries are thick, rigid blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart, whereas capillaries carry deoxygenated blood. B) Capillaries have thin walls to allow gas exchange, whereas arteries have thick walls to withstand high blood pressures. C) Unlike arteries, capillaries are narrow so that their blood pressure is high, forcing blood to diffuse into surrounding tissue. D) Unlike capillaries, arteries carry deoxygenated blood from tissues in the lungs, brain, and the rest of the body.

Answer 1

Answer - B
Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body, hence they have thick walls to endure high blood pressures, whereas, capillaries have very thin walls to allow for exchange of gas and microcirculation.

Answer 2

Capillaries have thin walls to allow gas exchange, whereas arteries have thick walls to withstand high blood pressures.