An artery is a type of blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. Arteries have thick, elastic walls that help withstand the high pressure of blood being pumped from the heart. The largest artery in the body is the aorta, which branches into smaller arteries that supply blood to different organs and tissues. Arteries play a crucial role in the circulatory system, ensuring that all body cells receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. They are part of a network that includes veins and capillaries, which work together to circulate blood throughout the body.