Elastic arteries, Muscular arteries, Small arteries and arterioles
Elastic arteries
Entered/Authored by Alicia Prater
Modified Wednesday, 20 February 2008 10:58
Description: Elastic arteries are the largest vessels and include the aorta and
pulmonary artery. They expand when blood is pumped out of the heart
and the resistance to relax pushes the blood out into the arterial
branches.
Description: Muscular arteries are the medium sized vessels and include the aortic
branches such as the coronary and renal arteries. They are made of smooth
muscle which contracts to pump the blood into the peripheral system.
Description: Small arteries and arterioles feed into the tissues and organs. They are
also made of smooth muscle to regulate pressure and flow. Arterioles
influence blood flow into the capillary beds.
