[Campbell Biology P.978] Which statement accurately describes the specific function of a blo... | Practice Question
Which statement accurately describes the specific function of a blood vessel layer as detailed in the text?
A: The endothelium is primarily responsible for the strength and elasticity of arterial walls.
B: The smooth muscle layer in the walls of arteries and arterioles plays a key role in regulating the path of blood flow through dilation or constriction.
C: The connective tissue layer in veins is significantly thicker than in arteries, which allows veins to distend more readily under high pressure.
D: The basal lamina is a primary component of the walls of both arteries and veins, providing structural support to withstand blood pressure.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'The smooth muscles in the walls of arteries and arterioles help regulate the path of blood flow. Signals from the nervous system and circulating hormones act on the smooth muscle of these vessels, causing dilation or constriction that modulates blood flow to different parts of the body.'