AAOS Emergency Care and Transport of the Sick and Injured Practice Exam

Blood vessels play distinct roles in the circulatory system, and understanding their functions is crucial for emergency care and transport. The arteries are the type of blood vessels specifically designated for carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues and organs throughout the body. They are equipped with thick, muscular walls that can withstand the high pressure created by the heart's contractions. This muscular structure also allows for the regulation of blood flow by constricting or dilating, which is essential during various physiological demands.

In contrast, veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, capillaries serve as the connection between arteries and veins where gas and nutrient exchange occurs, and arterioles are smaller branches of arteries that lead into capillaries. Understanding these roles highlights the importance of arteries in maintaining the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the heart. This knowledge is vital for assessing and managing conditions related to blood flow and oxygenation in emergency situations.