Arteries ________ because of the high pumping pressure they receive from the heart.

• A. contain valves to prevent backflow
• B. have thin, permeable walls for gas exchange
• C. carry deoxygenated blood exclusively
• D. have thick, muscular walls

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of arteries: Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. They are designed to handle high pressure generated by the heart's pumping action.
2. Analyze the structural features of arteries: Arteries have thick, muscular walls composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibers. This structure allows them to withstand and regulate the high pressure of blood flow.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Arteries do not contain valves to prevent backflow; this feature is found in veins. Arteries also do not have thin, permeable walls for gas exchange; this is a characteristic of capillaries. Lastly, arteries do not exclusively carry deoxygenated blood; most arteries carry oxygenated blood, except for the pulmonary arteries.
4. Focus on the correct option: The thick, muscular walls of arteries are essential for maintaining blood pressure and ensuring efficient blood flow throughout the body.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Based on the structural and functional characteristics of arteries, the correct answer is 'have thick, muscular walls.' This feature is directly related to their role in handling high pumping pressure from the heart.