Which type of blood vessel holds the greatest volume of blood?

A.

Capillary.

B.

Vein.

C.

Arteriole.

D.

Artery.

Answer and Rationale

The Correct Answer is B.

Veins are the type of blood vessel that holds the greatest volume of blood and serve as reservoirs for blood.


According to 1, veins contain about 70-80% of the blood volume in circulation.
Veins are also called capacitance vessels because they can expand and store more blood when needed.
Choice A. Capillary is wrong because capillaries are very thin and narrow vessels that allow the exchange of gases and nutrients between the blood and the tissues.
Capillaries have a very small volume compared to veins.
 Choice C. Arteriole is wrong because arterioles are small branches of arteries that regulate blood pressure and blood flow to the capillaries.
Arterioles have a higher resistance and lower volume than veins.
Choice D. Artery is wrong because arteries are thick and muscular vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
Arteries have a higher pressure and lower volume than veins.
Normal ranges for blood volume vary depending on age, sex, weight, and health status, but generally range from 4 to 6 liters for adults.