What characterizes arteries in the circulatory system?

Arteries are primarily characterized by their function of transporting blood away from the heart. This is a fundamental aspect of the circulatory system, as arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to various tissues and organs throughout the body, except in the case of the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

The structure of arteries also supports their role in managing blood flow under higher pressure, as they have thicker muscular walls compared to veins. This structural characteristic allows them to withstand and regulate the pressure exerted by the heart's pumping action. In contrast, veins, which carry blood back to the heart, tend to have thinner walls and operate under lower pressure. By understanding this key distinction in the circulatory system, one can better grasp how blood circulates and how oxygen and nutrients are delivered to different parts of the body.