Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. They have thick, elastic walls that help them withstand the high pressure of blood being pumped from the heart. The largest artery in the body is the aorta, which branches out into smaller arteries that supply blood to the arms, legs, and organs. As arteries get smaller, they branch into even tinier vessels called arterioles, which lead to capillaries. These capillaries are where the exchange of oxygen and nutrients occurs with the body's cells. Healthy arteries are essential for good circulation and overall health.