What is the primary function of an artery in the circulatory system?

The primary function of an artery in the circulatory system is to carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. This is a fundamental aspect of the circulatory system, as arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various tissues and organs throughout the body.

Oxygenated blood is crucial for cellular metabolism, as it provides the necessary oxygen that cells require for energy production and proper functioning. Once the blood reaches the tissues, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, which is then returned to the heart through veins.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the main role of arteries. While veins are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood to the heart, and the body does need nutrients transported via other vessels, these processes are not the primary function of arteries. Filtering waste from the bloodstream is primarily performed by the kidneys, not by arteries. Thus, the function of arteries is distinctly aligned with delivering oxygenated blood away from the heart, making this the correct answer.