Which of the following statements explains why there is an elastic layer found in arteries, but not veins? the total length of arteries in the body is more than the total length of veins, and the elastic layer push the blood over the longer length. valves present in veins provide a mechanism for withstanding high blood pressure flow going through veins. arteries are thicker than veins, and the elastic layer is necessary to support the additional weight of arteries. blood pressure is higher in arteries than veins, and the elastic layer maintain the structure of the artery.