New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the NY State EMT Exam with our online resources. Study with multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and practice tests. Master your EMT skills and excel in your exam!

Practice this question and more.


The smaller vessels that carry blood away from the heart and connect the arteries to the capillaries are called:

  1. Venules

  2. Arterioles

  3. Vena cavae

  4. Capillary arteries

The correct answer is: Arterioles

Arterioles are the smaller blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. They are crucial in the circulatory system as they serve as the connectors between arteries and capillaries. As blood flows from the heart, it travels through larger arteries and then into smaller arterioles. These arterioles play a significant role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure by constricting or dilating, which can adjust the volume of blood delivered to various tissues depending on their metabolic needs. This process is vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body. As arterioles lead directly to capillaries, they are essential for ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered effectively to the tissues. Each aspect of their structure—being smaller in diameter compared to arteries—enhances their ability to control the flow of blood into capillary networks, facilitating efficient nutrient and gas exchange.