# Explain how the structure of an artery makes it well suited to carrying blood away from the heart.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 1.3 Mass transport in animals · Explain · 5 marks

> Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body's organs. The blood in arteries is under high pressure as a result of the heart's pumping action.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Arteries have a thick muscular wall / thick wall overall
2. The thick muscular wall withstands / maintains the high blood pressure (without bursting)
3. Arteries have elastic fibres / elastic tissue in their walls
4. The elastic fibres allow the artery wall to stretch and recoil / spring back as blood is pumped through, maintaining blood flow / smoothing out pressure surges
5. Arteries have a narrow lumen / small lumen which helps maintain high blood pressure

## Key terms

- [artery](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/artery)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-structure-of-an-6f158611) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.