Compare the width of the vessel walls. Explain why they are different thicknesses.

Arteries have thick walls compared to veins. The thick walls of arteries enable them to withstand the blood pressure generated by the pumping action of the heart. It is notable that arteries carry blood away from the heart. Veins have thin walls due to the fact that they transport blood towards the heart hence are subject to low blood pressure. Their walls are also thin to allow the exchange of material between them and tissues.