Difference between Arteries, Veins, and Capillaries

The human body is considered to be a complex structure. All the veins are interconnected, with blood flowing through them. Being a complex mechanism, the body also has some serious complications. These complications are present when the body undergoes pain, surgery, suffering, etc. But the human body has its own ways to filter out waste. Upon filtering out such waste, the body becomes healthy and active. Blood flow is the primary aspect of the human body. Without this flow, there cannot be a body. Be it humans or animals, blood flow is necessary. People with anemia, blood cancer, leukemia, etc., have to take care of themselves. Blood and cell structure are important for the body. So today, we will discuss about the three major aspects of a human body, i.e., arteries, veins, and capillaries. So, let us begin by understanding the definition of these terms.

Arteries

Arteries are defined as the blood vessels that tend to carry the oxygen-related blood to the tissues. An artery is a muscular tube comprising of three layers. A kind of artery called the pulmonary artery carries low oxygenated blood to the lungs. Now, how many arteries are present in a human body? Well, there are twenty major arteries in the human body. These arteries extend to small arterioles. These arteries form an extensive network that carries blood to every body part.

Interestingly, the largest artery in the human body is called the aorta, which is divided into four major parts, i.e., abdominal aorta, thoracic aorta, ascending aorta, and aortic arch. This artery is present at the left ventricle. Thus, arteries serve as a channel for the transportation of blood.

Veins

Veins are defined as the vessels that support blood circulation to the heart. Veins transport the nutrients and oxygen in the body. Apart from this, water is also provided to the cells through veins. Unlike arteries, veins carry back the deoxygenated blood from the organs back to the heart. The deoxygenated blood is collected in small blood vessels called capillaries. There are three types of veins in the body, i.e., pulmonary veins, deep veins, and superficial veins. Every vein has its function to perform. The most prominent vein in the body is the inferior vena cava. The smallest vein in the body is the venule. From venules, the blood flows to the larger veins. It is interesting to note that the body is capable of forming new veins and vessels when one is blocked. The human body can form new blood vessels for the circulation of blood. Moreover, the veins can partially heal themselves after being cut. Thus, veins are capable of blood circulation in the body.

Capillaries

Capillaries are the tiniest vessels that serve as a link between the arteries and veins. The materials are exchanged between blood and tissues through capillaries. The size of capillaries ranges from 5-10 micrometers. Capillaries also have a cell wall called the endothelial wall, which is thick and supports blood circulation. The exchange of gases, water, nutrients between tissues and organs takes place in capillaries. The main function of the capillaries is to absorb oxygen and release it into the bloodstream during inhalation.

Similarly, during exhalation, carbon dioxide is released. Well, there is no count of capillaries in the human body as they are attached to several arteries and veins. They are interconnected. Still, there are around ten billion vessels in the body. The blood exits through these capillaries and returns to the heart. It is interesting to note that capillaries are not always opened. They open when the cells require blood. The brain is the only part of the body in which the capillaries remain open all the time. Now, there are some contrasting points between arteries, veins, and capillaries. So, let us take a look at them.

So, these are some of the significant differences between arteries, veins, and capillaries. They are responsible for carrying out the blood circulation in the body. They ensure that enough blood is reaching all the organs of the body. Thus, arteries, veins, and capillaries are responsible for keeping the body fit and healthy by carrying blood from the heart to the tissues.