Match the following terms with the correct definition. Arterioles, Arteries, Capillaries, Venules, Veins. Small vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the capillaries are arterioles. Muscular-walled vessels that carry blood away from the heart are arteries. One-cell-thick microscopic vessels that function to exchange nutrients and wastes are capillaries. Small vessels that connect to the capillaries that carry blood back to the heart are venules. Vessels that carry blood back to the heart are veins.