Arteries & Arterioles

Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the tissues
The walls of the arteries are elastic which allows them to absorb the pressure created by ventricles of the heart as they pump blood into the arteries
Because of the smooth muscle in the tunica media, arteries can regulate their diameter

Types of Arteries

Elastic arteries (conducting arteries)
Large diameter
More elastic fibers, less smooth muscle
Function as pressure reservoirs

Muscular arteries (distributing arteries)
Medium diameter
More smooth muscle, fewer elastic fibers
Distribute blood to various parts of the body