Direction of blood flow
Arteries carry blood from the heart to tissues whereas veins carry blood from tissues to the heart.
Types of blood carried
Arteries carry oxygenated blood except pulmonary artery whereas veins carry deoxygenated blood except pulmonary vein.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure in arteries is high whereas blood pressure in veins is low.
Diameter of lumen
Arteries have small lumen whereas veins have large lumen.
Elastic fibers
Arteries have more elastic fibers whereas veins have less elastic fibers.
Smooth muscle layer
Arteries have thick smooth muscle layer whereas veins have thin smooth muscle layer.
Pulsation
Pulse is present in larger arteries whereas pulse is absent in veins.
Semilunar valves
Semilunar valves are absent in arteries except at the base of aorta whereas semilunar valves are present in most veins.