Compared to veins, arteries have more of which characteristic?

Arteries are characterized by a thicker tunica media, which is the middle layer of the blood vessel wall, composed largely of smooth muscle cells and elastic tissue. This greater amount of muscle in arteries serves several important functions. It allows for the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow through vasoconstriction and vasodilation. The muscular walls of arteries enable them to withstand and maintain the high pressure of blood pumped directly from the heart. The elasticity also helps accommodate the surges of blood that occur with each heartbeat, assisting in maintaining continuous blood flow.

While veins also have muscle and elastic tissue, the presence is significantly greater in arteries to support their primary role in carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart under high pressure. In contrast, veins operate under lower pressure and hence their structure is adapted for returning blood to the heart, resulting in relatively thinner walls and less muscle content.