Arteries vs veins
Arteries can be classified into three categories depending on size and structure: large or elastic arteries; medium or muscular arteries; and small arteries and arterioles. Arterioles supply capillaries which, in turn, anastomose to form veins. Veins usually accompany similarly sized arteries and are classified as venules and small veins, medium veins, and large veins. 100x
Muscular artery >
Several characteristics differentiate arteries from their accompanying veins. Proportionally, arteries have narrower lumens and thicker walls than do veins. Veins are usually larger in diameter with wider lumens than their accompanying arteries. The tunica media is the predominant layer in arteries while the tunica adventitia generally is the thickest layer in veins.
Medium vein
Several characteristics differentiate arteries from their accompanying veins. Proportionally, arteries have narrower lumens and thicker walls than do veins. Veins are usually larger in diameter with wider lumens than their accompanying arteries. The tunica media is the predominant layer in arteries while the tunica adventitia generally is the thickest layer in veins.
Tunica media
Several characteristics differentiate arteries from their accompanying veins. Proportionally, arteries have narrower lumens and thicker walls than do veins. Veins are usually larger in diameter with wider lumens than their accompanying arteries. The tunica media is the predominant layer in arteries while the tunica adventitia generally is the thickest layer in veins.
Tunica adventitia
Several characteristics differentiate arteries from their accompanying veins. Proportionally, arteries have narrower lumens and thicker walls than do veins. Veins are usually larger in diameter with wider lumens than their accompanying arteries. The tunica media is the predominant layer in arteries while the tunica adventitia generally is the thickest layer in veins.
Small artery
Several characteristics differentiate arteries from their accompanying veins. Proportionally, arteries have narrower lumens and thicker walls than do veins. Veins are usually larger in diameter with wider lumens than their accompanying arteries. The tunica media is the predominant layer in arteries while the tunica adventitia generally is the thickest layer in veins.
Peripheral nerve
Several characteristics differentiate arteries from their accompanying veins. Proportionally, arteries have narrower lumens and thicker walls than do veins. Veins are usually larger in diameter with wider lumens than their accompanying arteries. The tunica media is the predominant layer in arteries while the tunica adventitia generally is the thickest layer in veins.
PREVIOUS