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The structure of arteries is best described as thick-walled and muscular. This design is essential for their primary function, which is to transport oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body under high pressure. The thick walls, composed of multiple layers including smooth muscle and elastic fibers, enable arteries to withstand the pressure exerted by the pumping heart.

The muscular layer allows for the regulation of blood flow and blood pressure by contracting or relaxing, which is vital in adjusting to the body’s needs during various activities such as exercise or rest. This ability to constrict and dilate not only helps maintain blood pressure but also ensures adequate tissue perfusion.

While other structures may incorporate elements like elasticity, the distinctive thick walls and muscular composition of arteries are what truly define their function and structure. This is in contrast to veins, which are generally thinner and less muscular, reflecting the differences in pressure and blood volume they manage.