Question

Which of the following statements explains why there is an elastic layer found in arteries, but not veins?

		Valves present in veins provide a mechanism for withstanding high blood pressure flow going through veins.
		The total length of arteries in the body is more than the total length of veins, and the elastic layer helps push the blood over the longer length.
		Arteries are thicker than veins, and the elastic layer is necessary to support the additional weight of arteries.
		Blood pressure is higher in arteries than veins, and the elastic layer helps maintain the structure of the artery.

Answer 1

Option - D ( blood pressure is higher in arteries than vein and the elastic fibres help them maintain their structure of the artery. )

The main function of the artery is to transport blood from heart to all the other organs in the body. They have thick wall so that they can withheld the high blood pressure. They also have elastic fibres which can help the artery to widened when blood from ventricles flows through and they also helps them to recoil after the surge has passed. In the absence of this fibres can lead to the rigidity of artery and also the walls can become even more thick to hold the pressure. It can also cause heart pump to increase.