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Arteries - Structures & Functions
Narrow lumen- maintain high blood pressure
Folded endothelium- can stretch to prevent damage due to high pressure
Thick layer of elastic tissue- expand & recoil to maintain pressure on blood
Vein- structure & function
Valves- prevent back flow of blood
Wide lumen & thin walls- allow neighbouring skeletal muscles to deform vein & move blood
Capillaries
Narrow lumen- causes blood to flow more slowly & allow exchange of gases. Also reduces diffusion distance.
Capillary wall 1 cell thick- reduces diffusion distance.
Form a large network through tissues- increases surface area.
Name the 3 blood vessels
Arteries
Veins
Capillaries
Note 
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