Small arteries, also known as arterioles, are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various tissues in the body. They are smaller in diameter than larger arteries and play a crucial role in regulating blood flow and pressure. The walls of small arteries are muscular, allowing them to constrict or dilate, which helps control the amount of blood reaching different organs. These vessels branch off from larger arteries, such as the femoral artery or coronary artery, and lead to even smaller vessels called capillaries. Capillaries are where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues. Proper function of small arteries is essential for maintaining healthy circulation and overall body function.