Elastic (conducting) arteries are characterized by a high content of which protein that allows stretch and recoil?

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Multiple Choice

Elastic (conducting) arteries are characterized by a high content of which protein that allows stretch and recoil?

Elastic arteries stretch and rebound with each heartbeat because they are rich in elastin in their tunica media. Elastin forms a highly elastic network that allows the vessel to expand during systole when blood pulses through, and then recoil during diastole to help maintain blood flow. Collagen provides strength but resists stretching, endothelium is just the inner lining, and smooth muscle regulates diameter rather than elasticity. So the protein responsible for the stretch and recoil is elastin.

Elastic arteries stretch and rebound with each heartbeat because they are rich in elastin in their tunica media. Elastin forms a highly elastic network that allows the vessel to expand during systole when blood pulses through, and then recoil during diastole to help maintain blood flow. Collagen provides strength but resists stretching, endothelium is just the inner lining, and smooth muscle regulates diameter rather than elasticity. So the protein responsible for the stretch and recoil is elastin.

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