The heart pumps bright red oxygenated blood out to the body through the arteries. Dark, depleted purplish blood returns to the heart and lungs through the veins, to be refueled with oxygen and sent out again for delivery. The big carotid arteries in the neck carry blood to the brain. They're a prime spot for clot-induced stroke. You can lower your chances of stroke with an antioxidant-rich diet of fruits and vegetables.
Exercise can keep arteries fit and flexible.
The heart is made of muscle. That means use it or lose it. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors for heart disease. Activity is essential. The placenta connects a mother to her growing child by way of the umbilical cord.