Blood vessels are part of the circulatory system and play a crucial role in the transportation of blood throughout the body. There are three main types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The walls of arteries are thick and elastic, allowing them to withstand the high pressure produced by the pumping of the heart.
Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Unlike arteries, veins have thinner walls and contain valves to prevent the backward flow of blood. Veins rely on the contraction of surrounding muscles to help propel blood back to the heart.
Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries to veins. They are the site of nutrient and gas exchange between the blood and the body's tissues. Capillary walls are extremely thin, allowing for the efficient exchange of substances.