What is a major characteristic of arteries compared to veins?

A major characteristic of arteries is that they have thicker walls compared to veins. This structural feature is essential for their function in the circulatory system. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and need to withstand the high pressure exerted by the heart's pumping action. The thick muscular and elastic walls allow arteries to expand and contract as blood is pumped through them, maintaining adequate pressure and ensuring efficient blood flow to various parts of the body.

In contrast, veins have thinner walls because they generally operate at lower pressures. This difference in wall thickness is crucial, as veins also rely on surrounding tissues and skeletal muscle contractions to help return blood to the heart.