ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

Arteries are characterized by thicker vessel walls compared to veins, which is a key distinction between these two types of blood vessels. The walls of arteries need to be robust to withstand the high pressure of blood being pumped directly from the heart. The muscular and elastic nature of the arterial walls also allows them to expand and contract in response to the pulsatile flow of blood, giving them a pulsating feel.

This capacity to handle high pressure is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body. In contrast, veins operate under lower pressure and have thinner walls. The absence of a pulsatile feeling in veins is due to the steady flow of blood returning to the heart, which is aided by various mechanisms, such as valve systems and muscle contractions surrounding the veins.

Thus, the correct answer highlights both the structural and functional adaptations of arteries that support their role in the circulatory system.