Arteries vs. Capillaries vs. Veins

What is the thickness of the walls of arteries?

thick (especially muscular layer)

What is the thickness of the walls of capillaries?

very thin (one cell layer)

What is the thickness of the walls of veins?

thin (less muscular than arteries)

Do arteries retain their shape or collapse?

retain shape

Do capillaries retain their shape or collapse?

collapse easily

Do veins retain their shape or collapse?

collapse easily

What is the direction of blood flow for arteries?

away from the heart

What is the direction of blood flow for capillaries?

between arteries and veins (exchange site)

What is the direction of blood flow for veins?

toward the heart

What is the speed of blood flow for arteries?

fast

What is the speed of blood flow for capillaries?

slow (to allow exchange)

What is the speed of blood flow for veins?

medium

What is the blood pressure level for arteries?

high

What is the blood pressure level for capillaries?

low

What is the blood pressure level for veins?

low

Are there valves present in arteries?

No

Are there valves present in capillaries?

No

Are there valves present in veins?

Yes (to prevent backflow)

Is there a pulse present in arteries?

Yes

Is there a pulse present in capillaries?

No

Is there a pulse present in veins?

No

Do arteries carry oxygenated or deoxygenated blood?

mostly oxygenated (except pulmonary artery)

Do capillaries carry oxygenated or deoxygenated blood?

both (exchange site)

Do veins carry oxygenated or deoxygenated blood?

mostly deoxygenated (except pulmonary vein)