In most instances, what do arteries carry?

Arteries are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. This is a key function of the circulatory system, as oxygenated blood is essential for supplying organs and tissues with the oxygen they need to function properly.

While the pulmonary artery is an exception, transporting deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation, the general rule in human anatomy is that arteries carry oxygenated blood. In contrast, veins are the vessels that typically carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. This distinction underscores the vital role that arteries play in delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, making the understanding of this topic crucial for those studying the circulatory and respiratory systems in depth.