Which type of blood vessel primarily carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?

Arteries are the type of blood vessel that primarily carries oxygenated blood away from the heart. When blood is pumped from the left ventricle of the heart, it enters the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. Arteries have thick, muscular walls that can withstand the high pressure of blood being pumped directly from the heart. The primary function of these vessels is to transport oxygen-rich blood to various tissues and organs throughout the body.

In contrast, veins are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Capillaries, on the other hand, are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins; they facilitate the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products at the cellular level. Venules are small vessels that collect blood from capillaries and lead into veins, further contributing to the return of blood to the heart but do not carry oxygenated blood away from it. Thus, arteries are specifically designed to carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, making them the correct choice.