The term for a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart is an artery. Arteries transport oxygenated blood (except for the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood) from the heart to various tissues throughout the body. They have thick, elastic walls that can withstand high pressure, enabling efficient blood circulation. Understanding the structure and function of arteries is essential for comprehending the cardiovascular system and its role in overall health, including the implications of diseases such as atherosclerosis.