Elastic and collagen fibers determine the distensibility/compliance of vessels Artery has low volume capacity but can withstand large transmural pressure difference. (resistance vessels Vein s have a large volume capacity but can withstand small transmural pressure differences. ( capacitance vessels Compliance c) △P Difference in compliance cause arteries to act as resistors and veins to act as capacitorsElastic and collagen fibers determine the distensibility/compliance of vessels. • Artery has low volume capacity but can withstand large transmural pressure difference. (resistance vessels) • Vein s have a large volume capacity but can withstand small transmural pressure differences. (capacitance vessels) • Compliance (C) = • Difference in compliance cause arteries to act as resistors and veins to act as capacitors. ΔV ΔP 10