Which of These Arteries are Able to Actively Dilate and Constrict

Question

Which of these arteries are able to actively dilate and constrict?
A) elastic arteries
B) medium-sized (distributing) arteries
C) arterioles
D) small arteries
E) All of these except elastic arteries show active dilation and constriction.

Accepted Answer

Elastic arteries primarily function to dampen the pulsatile pressure of blood flow from the heart, allowing for a smoother flow of blood through the body. They are not involved in active dilation and constriction to the same extent as medium-sized arteries, arterioles, and small arteries, which can actively regulate blood flow to different parts of the body by changing their diameter.