In this deck, we'll explore the body's transport network: the blood vessels. You'll learn about the three main types – arteries, veins, and capillaries – and how their specific structures are perfectly adapted for their jobs. We'll also trace the paths of the major blood vessels you need to know for your exam.

Let's start with arteries. Arteries are the vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Because the heart pumps blood out at high pressure, arteries need to be strong and elastic. They have thick, muscular walls and a relatively narrow central space, which is called the lumen.