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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are veins characterized by especially thin walls, large lumens, and a lack of smooth muscle?
A
Venous sinuses
B
Arterioles
C
Capillaries
D
Venules
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structural differences between veins and other blood vessels. Veins are blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart, and they often have thinner walls compared to arteries due to lower blood pressure.
Learn the characteristics of venous sinuses. Venous sinuses are specialized veins with very thin walls, large lumens, and a lack of smooth muscle. They are designed to collect blood in specific areas, such as the coronary sinus in the heart or the dural venous sinuses in the brain.
Compare venous sinuses to other options provided in the question: Arterioles, Capillaries, and Venules. Arterioles are small arteries with thick walls and smooth muscle for regulating blood flow. Capillaries are microscopic vessels with thin walls but no large lumens, and they are involved in nutrient and gas exchange. Venules are small veins that do have smooth muscle and are not as specialized as venous sinuses.
Focus on the defining features of venous sinuses: thin walls, large lumens, and lack of smooth muscle. These features distinguish them from other types of blood vessels listed in the question.
Conclude that venous sinuses are the correct answer based on their unique structural characteristics, which match the description provided in the question.