Definition & Meaning of "artery"

Artery

NOUN

any blood vessel, carrying the blood to different organs of body from the heart

What is an "artery"?

An artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart and distributes it to various parts of the body. Arteries have thick, muscular walls that enable them to withstand the pressure generated by the pumping action of the heart. They play a crucial role in maintaining the circulation of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs throughout the body. Arteries branch into smaller vessels called arterioles, which further divide into capillaries, allowing for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues. Arteries are vital components of the circulatory system and are essential for overall health and proper organ function.

a major thoroughfare that bears important traffic

Example

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.

The largest artery in the body is the aorta, which originates from the left ventricle of the heart and distributes blood to the rest of the body.

The walls of arteries are thicker and more muscular compared to veins, allowing them to withstand the high pressure of blood pumped by the heart.

Atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, can restrict blood flow and lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes.

The artery's wall is composed of smooth muscle and elastic tissue.