Which blood vessels carry blood away from the heart to the body's tissues?

Arterial blood vessels are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart to the various tissues and organs in the body. This process is vital for delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that cells require to function properly. The primary artery that carries blood from the heart is the aorta, which branches off into smaller arteries that further distribute blood to specific areas.

In contrast, venous blood vessels are involved in returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Capillary blood vessels, which are the smallest and thinnest blood vessels, serve as the site of exchange between the blood and surrounding tissues, allowing for the transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products. The lymphatic vessels are part of the immune system and are involved in the transport of lymph, a fluid that helps remove waste and fight infections, but they do not carry blood. This distinction is crucial in understanding the circulatory system's structure and function.