What do arteries carry away from and veins carry toward?

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, and they typically transport oxygen-rich blood, especially in the systemic circulation. On the other hand, veins are responsible for returning blood to the heart, commonly carrying carbon dioxide-rich blood back from the tissues in the systemic circuit, but they can also transport oxygenated blood in the pulmonary circuit from the lungs.

The inclusion of blood as the answer captures the essence of the function of these vessels, highlighting that both arteries and veins are integral to the circulation of blood throughout the body. The distinction between types of blood (oxygen-rich or carbon dioxide-rich) is a detail that is relevant but not necessary to answer the question comprehensively. Thus, stating that arteries carry blood away and veins carry blood toward the heart accurately reflects the fundamental role of each type of vessel within the circulatory system.