Arteries are the type of blood vessels responsible for carrying blood away from the heart. They transport oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body, except for the pulmonary artery, which carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The walls of arteries are thick and elastic, allowing them to withstand the high pressure of blood pumped from the heart. As arteries branch into smaller arterioles and capillaries, they facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products at the cellular level. Proper arterial function is crucial for maintaining overall cardiovascular health and ensuring efficient blood circulation.