OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is a characteristic of arteries compared to veins?

They have a broader lumen
They contain less muscle and elastic tissue
They have a smaller lumen
They carry deoxygenated blood

The correct answer is: They have a smaller lumen

The characteristic of arteries compared to veins that stands out is their smaller lumen. Arteries have a narrower lumen, which is designed to help maintain high blood pressure as blood is pumped from the heart to various parts of the body. The smaller lumen in arteries also contributes to faster blood flow, allowing for efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. In contrast, veins have a larger lumen that enables them to carry blood back to the heart under lower pressure. This structure allows veins to accommodate larger volumes of blood and helps facilitate its return, assisted by one-way valves that prevent backflow. Therefore, the structural differences between arteries and veins are crucial for their respective functions in the circulatory system.