Which blood vessels can cause death if damaged?

• A. Veins only
• B. Arteries only
• C. Veins and arteries
• D. Capillaries

Answer: (C)

Damage to major blood vessels can be life-threatening because they control the flow of blood to and from the heart. Arteries carry blood under high pressure away from the heart, so when one is damaged the bleeding is fast and can rapidly lead to shock from drastic blood loss. Veins, while at lower pressure, can still unleash a large volume of blood if a major vein is torn, also risking severe blood loss and shock. Capillaries are very small, and while bleeding from them can occur, it’s typically slower and less immediately life-threatening than arterial or major venous bleeding. So both veins and arteries can cause death if damaged, making those vessels the critical concern in severe injuries.