Q12 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (26 April Shift 1) · Biology

Select the INCORRECT statement.
The T.S. of an artery shows __________.

  • A
    thicker tunica externa and tough layer of collagen fibres
  • Correct answer
    B
    thinner tunica media and wider lumen.
  • C
    tesselations in the angular margin around the lumen
  • D
    lack of valves.

Solution

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.

The transverse section (T.S.) of an artery reveals three distinct layers: tunica interna, tunica media, and tunica externa.

The tunica media in arteries is highly developed and much thicker than in veins. It contains abundant smooth muscle and elastic fibres to withstand and regulate high blood pressure.

Due to this thick tunica media, the lumen (central cavity) of an artery is narrow.

In contrast, veins have a thinner tunica media and a wider lumen. Therefore, the statement claiming an artery has a "thinner tunica media and wider lumen" is incorrect, as it actually describes a vein.

Other features of an artery include a lack of valves (which are instead found in veins to prevent backflow) and a wavy or tessellated endothelium due to the constriction of the thick muscular layer.

Answer: thinner tunica media and wider lumen.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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