Which of the following arteries is an example of a large, elastic artery?

The aorta is classified as a large, elastic artery primarily due to its size and the abundance of elastic fibers within its walls. These elastic fibers allow the aorta to stretch when blood is pumped from the heart during systole and then recoil to help maintain blood pressure during diastole. This characteristic is crucial for stabilizing blood flow and ensuring that the pressure throughout the arterial system remains consistent.

In contrast, the axillary artery, radial artery, and brachial artery are classified as muscular arteries. These arteries have a thicker muscular layer relative to their elastic component, which allows them to regulate blood flow more effectively through vasoconstriction and vasodilation. While they do play important roles in blood distribution to various parts of the body, they do not have the same structural properties as elastic arteries like the aorta. Therefore, the aorta stands out as the best example of a large, elastic artery.