Final answer:
Arteries have thicker walls, carry oxygenated blood, and contain valves. Veins have thinner walls, carry deoxygenated blood, and contain valves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arteries and veins are two types of blood vessels with distinct differences.
- Arteries have thicker walls: Arteries have thicker smooth muscle layers to accommodate the changes in pressure from the heart.
- Arteries carry oxygenated blood: Arteries generally carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
- Arteries contain valves: Some arteries, like the aorta, may have valves to prevent blood from flowing back into the heart.
On the other hand, veins:
- Veins have thinner walls: Veins have thinner smooth muscle layers because they are farther away from the heart and carry blood at a lower pressure.
- Veins carry deoxygenated blood: Veins primarily carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
- Veins contain valves: Veins usually have valves that prevent the backflow of blood and help maintain proper blood flow.