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"Artificial artery. Assortment of artificial arteries; the branched tubes at left are aorta arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These implants are mainly made of tergal, a type of strong, synthetic fibre comprised of polyester. These arteries are lined with Gore-tex, another type of synthetic fibre made of nylon and teflon. The Gore-tex acts as an impermeable barrier which prevents blood clots from forming on the artery. Arteries made this way can be as small as 5 millimetres across. Photographed at INSERM, the National Institute for Health and Medical Research, Bordeaux, France." (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/PHILIPPE PLAILLY)