Compliance is the ability of vessels to dilatate.

When a vessel is easily stretched, it is considered to be highly compliant.

Elasticity (also called elastance) is the tendency to rebound back to its original size from stretch. A vessel with high elasticity will have low compliance.

Elasticity and compliance express the same properties of the vessels but from
different points of view.

Arteries have lower compliance and high elasticity.

Veins have high compliance and low elasticity.

When compliance is less than elasticity – rigidity predominates.

When elasticity is less than compliance – hypermobility predominates.