Biologists are studying the anatomy of a newly discovered whale whose carcass has washed up on shore.In examining a cross section of its flipper,they notice a vein and an artery running in parallel.The artery can be distinguished from the vein because the artery has
A) a larger interior diameter.
B) more muscle tissue and elastin in the wall.
C) a lining of vascular endothelium.
D) valves to prevent backflow.
E) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arteries have thicker walls with more muscle tissue and elastin compared to veins, allowing them to handle the higher pressure associated with pumping blood away from the heart. The larger interior diameter and lining of vascular endothelium are common to both arteries and veins, and valves are typically found only in veins to prevent backflow.

Biologists Are Studying the Anatomy of a Newly Discovered Whale