Blood vessels are divided into three types, namely arteries, veins, and capillaries. The difference between arteries and veins can be seen when we look at it from the side of the cardiovascular system.
The cardiovascular system is responsible for supplying nutrients and oxygen to all body tissues. In addition, the system consisting of the heart and blood vessels also plays a role in carrying the remnants of the metabolic processes to the excretory organs in the kidneys and lungs.
Broadly speaking, the difference between arteries and veins in the cardiovascular system can be seen in the direction of blood flow they carry. Arteries are in charge of carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. On the other hand, the veins are in charge of carrying blood from the organs of the body back to the heart.
Difference between Arteries and Veins
In order to know the difference between arteries and veins more deeply, some of the descriptions below should be known first.
- Flowing blood
The body needs oxygen contained in the blood to survive. The oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart to all body tissues along the arteries. The job of the veins is to carry blood back to the heart. Blood flowing in the veins has a lower oxygen content and contains respiratory carbon dioxide residue.
- Blood vessel wall thickness
One of the significant differences between arteries and veins is the thickness of their walls. Arteries have a thick layer of muscle in their walls that can either contract to reduce the size of the arteries, or relax to become wider according to the needs of the body. While the walls of the veins are thinner, because the muscle layer is thinner.
- Branching
Arteries divide into many branches like trees. The largest branch of the artery is known as the aorta. The aorta then branches several times into smaller branches. The farther away from the heart, the smaller the arteries. Meanwhile, the vein branches become increasingly enlarged as they approach the heart.
- Valve
The main difference between arteries and veins is that veins have one-way valves. This valve prevents blood from flowing back in the wrong direction. Meanwhile, arteries do not need valves because pressure from the heart makes blood flow in one direction.
All arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, except for the pulmonary arteries, which carry oxygen-free blood to the lungs. On the other hand, all veins carry carbon dioxide-rich blood from the body to the heart, except for the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart.
Arterial and venous blood vessels can be monitored through radiological examinations such as Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, or angiography.
Common Disorders Affecting Arteries and Veins
Another striking difference between arteries and veins is the potential interference between the two.
Arterial disorders
In arteries, the dangerous potential that threatens is blockage. Blockages in the arteries can be caused by a fatty substance called plaque or atheroma. Disorders of these arteries is called atherosclerosis.
Due to plaque buildup, the arteries will harden and narrow. This will interfere with blood flow and oxygen supply to the body's vital organs. Another risk that arises is blood clots that have the potential to cause obstruction of blood flow to body tissues and organs, such as the brain or heart.
Atherosclerosis tends to occur without any initial symptoms so many are not aware they have it. This disease has the potential to cause health problems that can be life-threatening. If left untreated, these arterial disorders can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Disorders of the arteries can also cause peripheral artery disease.
Venous disorders
Common disorders of the veins are varicose veins, which are enlarged veins. All veins are at risk of developing varicose veins, but the most common are veins in the legs. This occurs due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels of the lower body due to standing or walking upright for too long.
In addition to varicose veins, diseases of the veins that need to be watched out for are deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition occurs when a blood clot blocks a vein in the leg. Symptoms include pain in the legs, changes in the color of the legs to redness or bluish, to swelling and a feeling of warmth in the legs.
Sometimes DVT can occur without symptoms. If not treated immediately, these blood clots can move to other parts of the body, causing serious health problems such as pulmonary embolism.
Seeing the differences between arteries and veins in terms of function and the common disorders that afflict them, we should be more vigilant in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. This is because the cardiovascular system has a very crucial function for human survival. If there are disturbances or abnormalities in the arteries or veins, you are advised to consult a vascular surgeon.