Each type of vessel (artery, vein, capillary) has distinct bleeding characteristics. Arterial bleeding is characterized by spurts of bright-red blood; spurting each time the heart beats. Arterial bleeding is serious and difficult to control. Venous bleeding occurs in a steady flow, and the blood is dark-red, almost maroon, in color. Since capillaries are so small, capillary bleeding is a slow, oozing flow that carries with it a higher risk of infection than either arterial or venous bleeding.