Due to the need for long-term hemodialysis, an

a-v (arterio-venous) shunt was created on the patient´s left forearm. This

involves the creation of a direct communication between an artery and a vein of

the same caliber. This communication is then used to insert the dialysis

needles that supply/drain blood to/from the dialysis machine. This direct

connection leads to a change in the histological structure of the vein used.

How do these vessels of the same calibre normally differ from each other?