What do arteries primarily carry?

Arteries primarily carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to various tissues and organs throughout the body. This is critical for supplying oxygen, which is necessary for cellular metabolism and overall bodily functions. The oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the left side of the heart through the aorta and distributes oxygen to all body parts. This process is essential for maintaining the health of tissues and organs, making the transmission of oxygenated blood central to the cardiovascular system's role in sustaining life.

The other choices suggest alternative functions or characteristics of blood transport mechanisms. Blood that is low in oxygen and rich in carbon dioxide is typically transported back to the heart via veins, and while arteries can carry blood enriched with nutrients, they are primarily defined by their role in transporting oxygenated blood. Hence, the answer highlighting oxygenated blood is the most accurate representation of the primary function of arteries.