Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. They have thick walls composed of muscle and elastic tissue, which allow them to expand and contract as they deliver blood under high pressure from the heart.
There are several major arteries in the body, including the aorta (the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body), the coronary arteries (which supply the heart muscle with blood), the carotid arteries (which supply blood to the head and neck), and the femoral arteries (which supply blood to the legs).
Arteries can become damaged or diseased, leading to conditions such as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), aneurysms (enlargements or bulges in the wall of an artery), and artery occlusion (blockage of an artery by a blood clot or fatty deposits). These conditions can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking, can help keep your arteries healthy and reduce the risk of arterial disease.
