Question

Compare the structure and function of arteries and capillaries. Which of the following best describes their differences?

Answer 1

a. Arteries are thick, rigid blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart, whereas capillaries carry deoxygenated blood.
b. Capillaries have thin walls to allow gas exchange, whereas arteries have thick walls to withstand high blood pressures.
c. Unlike arteries, capillaries are narrow so that their blood pressure is high, forcing blood to diffuse into surrounding tissue.
d. Unlike capillaries, arteries carry deoxygenated blood from tissues in the lungs, brain, and the rest of the body.

Answer 2

Hey @sar12 , what's giving you trouble? Do you have a basic idea of what capillaries and arteries do?

Answer 3

yes, but not their structures

Answer 4

Ah I see. Well, a basic tenet of biology which I'm sure you've encountered is that structure fits function right?

Capillaries allow gases to diffuse out of the blood and into the neighboring tissues. To fulfill this function, they have to be very, very thin. One cell wide! Otherwise, how wuold they efficiently exchange nutrients and wastes?

Arteries, as you know, carry blood away from the heart. Your arteries are the first to branch off and away from the heart. What do you think their structure must be like in order to withstand the high pressure from the pumping of the heart?

Answer 5

your answer is b

Answer 6

oh thanks