Final answer:
Arteries have thick walls to handle high pressure and transport oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins have thinner walls with valves and carry deoxygenated blood at lower pressure toward the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing and contrasting veins and arteries, it is important to note the differences and similar characteristics they possess. Firstly, arteries are muscular blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. They have thicker walls to withstand the high pressure of blood that is being pumped by the heart and generally carry oxygenated blood. The largest artery is the aorta, which receives blood directly from the heart. On the other hand, veins are blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart and have thinner walls and valves. Valves in veins prevent the backflow of blood, an essential function due to the lower pressure in these vessels. Generally, veins carry deoxygenated blood, with the largest vein being the inferior vena cava.
It's important to correct some misconceptions; only the pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, which is an exception to the rule that arteries carry oxygenated blood. Contrarily, the pulmonary veins and all other veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Additionally, arteries do not have valves like veins do because the blood pressure within them from the heart's pumping action is sufficient to prevent the backflow of blood.
In summary, the correct statement that compares and contrasts veins and arteries is option c. Arteries have thicker walls and carry blood away from the heart; veins have thinner walls, are equipped with valves to prevent backflow, and carry blood toward the heart under lower pressure.