When Contrasting Arteries and Veins, Which of the Following Statements

Question

When contrasting arteries and veins, which of the following statements is true?
A) Veins have thicker walls than arteries.
B) Arteries have a thicker tunica media than veins.
C) Veins have a tunica media, while arteries do not.
D) Arteries have valves, but veins do not.
E) Arteries have smooth muscle in their walls, but veins do not.

Accepted Answer

Arteries have a thicker tunica media than veins, which is primarily due to the need for arteries to handle higher pressure from the heart's pumping action. This layer is made up of smooth muscle and elastic fibers, allowing arteries to regulate blood pressure and flow.