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

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How are arteries specifically adapted to carry blood under pressure?

  1. They have thin walls

  2. They contain valves to prevent backflow

  3. They have strong, thick walls with elastic fibers

  4. They have larger lumens than veins

The correct answer is: They have strong, thick walls with elastic fibers

Arteries are specifically adapted to carry blood under pressure due to their strong, thick walls that contain elastic fibers. The high pressure of blood pumped from the heart requires arteries to withstand significant force without bursting. The thick muscular layer allows them to resist and regulate the pressure exerted by the flowing blood. Additionally, the elastic fibers enable the arteries to stretch and recoil with each heartbeat, helping to maintain a consistent pressure and facilitate blood flow. This combination of strength and elasticity is crucial for the arteries to effectively carry blood throughout the body, especially during the contraction of the heart.

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