What essential substance do arteries primarily transport away from the heart?

Arteries are primarily responsible for transporting oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. When the heart pumps, it ejects oxygen-rich blood into the arteries, which then deliver this vital substance to various tissues and organs. Oxygenated blood is crucial for cellular respiration, a process by which cells generate energy.

In contrast, veins primarily carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is also transported via the bloodstream but primarily through the veins. Nutrients, while essential, are typically transported via the bloodstream through different systems, notably through the capillaries and veins after being absorbed from the digestive system. Thus, the correct answer highlights the primary function of arteries in distributing oxygenated blood throughout the body, reinforcing their critical role in maintaining overall health and circulation.