QQuestionAnatomy and Physiology
QuestionAnatomy and Physiology
Explain why an artery can be considered to be an organ whereas a capillary cannot.
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Answer
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Step 1: Define an organ in the context of the human body.
An organ is a collection of tissues that work together to perform specific functions in the human body. Examples include the heart, lungs, and stomach.
Step 2: Explain the structure and function of an artery.
Arteries are blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. They have thick, elastic walls to withstand the high pressure of pumping blood. Arteries also help regulate blood flow to different parts of the body by constricting or dilating in response to various signals.
Final Answer
An artery can be considered an organ due to its complex structure, which includes multiple tissue types (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue) that work together to perform the vital function of transporting blood throughout the body. In contrast, a capillary cannot be considered an organ because it primarily consists of a single layer of endothelial cells and lacks the necessary complexity and integration of multiple tissue types required to perform a specific function.
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