What type of blood vessel carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart?

The type of blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart is the artery. It is essential for the proper functioning of the circulatory system, as arteries transport oxygenated blood from the heart to various tissues and organs throughout the body. The walls of arteries are muscular and elastic, allowing them to withstand the high pressure exerted by the blood being pumped from the heart.

In contrast, veins have thinner walls and carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the body's tissues. Capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels, serve as the primary sites for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Venules are small veins that lead from capillaries to larger veins but do not carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Therefore, the role of the artery is crucial for delivering oxygen to the body, following its release from the heart.