What is the structure of an artery?

Answer 1

The walls of arteries are really thick; they consist of three cell layers. The inner layer is smooth, made of epithelial cells. Because of this smooth texture, it allows the blood that comes through it to flow more freely. The next layer is mostly composed of muscle tissue, and the outermost wall consists of flexible connective tissue. This structure of the artery makes it strong and flexible, and easy for it to pump the blood throughout your body.

More Information:

Similarly to the wider lumened vein, the artery has numerous structural features.

Firstly the artery lumen is small. This is so a high pressure is maintained, and so the blood can flow quickly and efficiently to body tissues.

Secondly the arteries wall is very thick. This is so the artery can withstand such high pressure from the narrow lumen. The wall is strengthened thanks to collagenfibres.

Thirdly the lumen of the artery is surrounded by a layer of cells known as the endothelium. The endothelium is a thin layer and it simply reduces the friction of blood flow. The endothelium can also unfold.

In addition the artery contains elastic tissue. The advantage of elastic tissue is that it can stretch and recoil. Recoil means that it can return the width of the lumen to it's original narrow size. The elastic tissue recoils when the heartbeat rests so high pressure is maintained. This can sometimes be observed on the skin when a vessel 'beats'.

Furthermore the artery contains smooth muscle that constricts (narrows) as it contracts. This can be useful to improve gas exchange at the alveoli.