What type of blood vessels carry blood away from the heart?

Arteries are the type of blood vessels responsible for carrying blood away from the heart. They are equipped with thick, muscular walls that help withstand and regulate the high pressure at which blood is pumped from the heart. This is particularly essential because arteries need to facilitate the movement of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, particularly from the left side of the heart to various tissues and organs.

As blood moves through the arteries, it flows into progressively smaller vessels known as arterioles, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow and pressure before the blood reaches the capillaries. Understanding the structure and function of arteries is fundamental for anyone studying emergency medical services, as many medical conditions are closely related to arterial health and functionality.