artery

a BLOOD VESSEL that carries blood away from the HEART . Oxygenated (bright red) bllod is carried by the arteries to all parts of the body. However, the pulmonary arteries carry dark, unoxygenated blood from the heart to the LUNGS . An artery has thick, elastic walls which are able to expand and contract, and contain smooth MUSCLE fibres. This smooth muscle is under the control of the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM .