Arteries - GCSE Biology Definition

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the tissues and organs of the body. They have thick, muscular walls to withstand the high pressure at which the heart pumps blood throughout the circulatory system. Unlike veins, arteries do not have valves, as the pressure from the heart ensures a one-way flow of blood. The largest artery in the human body is the aorta, which branches out into smaller arteries that reach different parts of the body, ensuring that vital organs and muscles receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients to function properly. The pulmonary artery is the only artery that carries deoxygenated blood. Understanding the structure and function of arteries is essential for GCSE Biology students as it relates to the broader study of the cardiovascular system and its role in maintaining homeostasis.