Why are the larger arteries white rather then red? Why are the large veins nevertheless blue?

Question

I'm doing a pig disection and these are the questions about their circulatory system

Answer 1

Arteries are tougher than veins, they need to be cos of the high pressure inside of them. They have extra reinforcing connective tissue (which is white) around the outside of them, where as veins don't need this as pressure is lower.

Answer 2

Specifically, arteries have much thicker layers of smooth muscle in the walls (it aids in elastic rebound after a blood pulse, and helps maintain blood pressure). The thicker walls tend to obscure the color of the contents. Re the anatomy of arteries:
The outermost layer is known as the tunica externa formerly known as "tunica adventitia" and is composed of connective tissue. Inside this layer is the tunica media, or media, which is made up of smooth muscle cells and elastic tissue. The innermost layer, which is in direct contact with the flow of blood is the tunica intima, commonly called the intima. This layer is made up of mainly endothelial cells. The hollow internal cavity in which the blood flows is called the lumen.

Answer 3

kt has the answer. Arteries have thicker walls to retain higher pressures so you don't see the red blood but veins have thin walls allowing you to see the blue blood in them.