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Animal transport (arteries)

Can someone explain to me why because the arteries are made of smooth endothelium and are folded but can unfold when the artery stretches allows the artery to withstand pressure? My notes aren't very clear on this

Reply 1

Hype en Ecosse

Original post by mica-lwe

Well imagine stretching a piece of paper versus an elastic band. It's very hard to snap an elastic band, but very easy to tear a piece of paper. The smooth muscle and associated layers in an artery provide it with these sorts of elastic properties, and let it resist snapping under pressure just like an elastic band does. :smile: