In which direction do arteries pump blood in the body?

Arteries are blood vessels responsible for transporting oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various tissues and organs throughout the body. This is a crucial function as it ensures that the cells receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function effectively. The correct choice reflects this primary role of arteries in the circulatory system.

In contrast, the veins operate by returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart, which is why the alternative answer about moving toward the heart does not apply to arteries. The options suggesting circular motion or movement throughout the lungs do not specifically describe the directional function of arteries either and could potentially lead to confusion if not understood distinctly. Thus, the understanding that arteries always pump blood away from the heart is fundamental in grasping how the circulatory system operates.