Arteries

Structure

Arterial walls have three layers: the inner tunica intima, the muscular tunica media, and the outer tunica adventitia. Large arteries contain more elastic tissue, while smaller arterioles have more smooth muscle for regulating diameter.

Function

Arteries withstand the pulse pressure generated by each heartbeat. Smooth muscle in arteriole walls adjusts vessel diameter to control blood flow to specific tissues and maintain systemic blood pressure.

Types

Elastic arteries like the aorta absorb pressure waves. Muscular arteries such as the brachial and femoral distribute blood to limbs. Arterioles, the smallest type, feed capillary beds and act as the main resistance vessels.