ARTERIES Meaning and
Definition
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Arteries are a vital component of the circulatory system in vertebrates, including humans. These blood vessels serve as the main highway that carries oxygenated or oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to every part of the body. Arteries are distinguished from other types of blood vessels - such as veins and capillaries - by their thicker, more muscular walls.
The walls of arteries are composed of three layers: the innermost layer, called the endothelium, which is a smooth lining that facilitates blood flow; the middle layer, consisting of smooth muscle tissue that helps regulate the diameter and pressure of the artery; and the outermost layer, comprised of connective tissue for support.
Arteries play a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs throughout the body. They branch off from the heart into an extensive network of smaller blood vessels and arterioles, ultimately leading to capillaries where exchange of nutrients, waste products, and gases occur.
Conditions that affect arteries include atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits accumulate in the artery walls, narrowing them and impeding blood flow. This can lead to various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Arterial stiffness, known as arteriosclerosis, can also occur, making arteries less flexible and reducing their ability to expand and contract. To detect and treat these conditions, medical professionals often rely on diagnostic tests and interventions, such as angiography, stenting, and bypass surgery.
Overall, arteries act as vital conduits, supplying the body's tissues and organs with the oxygen and nutrients necessary for their proper function.
Top Common Misspellings for ARTERIES *
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Other Common Misspellings for ARTERIES
Etymology of ARTERIES
The word "arteries" comes from the Latin word "arteria", which is derived from the Greek word "artēria". In Greek, "artēria" originally referred to a windpipe or the artery that carries air, which was believed to be a completely different vessel than the ones carrying blood. The Greek word itself likely comes from the adjective "artos", meaning "windy", as the arteries were thought to carry air or wind-like fluids. Over time, the meaning of the term expanded to include the vessels that carry blood, as their function and structure were better understood.
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