What is the primary function of arteries?

The primary function of arteries is to carry blood away from the heart. This crucial role is fundamental to the circulatory system, where arteries transport oxygenated blood to various tissues and organs throughout the body. The oxygen-rich blood delivered by arteries is vital for cellular respiration and energy production in the body's tissues.

Arteries have thick, muscular walls that enable them to withstand the high pressure created by the heart's contractions as it pumps blood. This structural adaptation allows arteries to efficiently move blood away from the heart and distribute it effectively.

In contrast, veins are responsible for bringing blood back to the heart, and capillaries are where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes occurs. While arteries contribute to the regulation of body temperature through blood flow to the skin, their primary function remains the transportation of blood away from the heart.