All about Arteries
What is the innermost layer of the artery?
Tunica Intima
In what direction do veins carry blood? (with respect to the heart)
Towards the heart!
What are capillary walls made of?
Endothelial Cells and outer Basement Membrane
Where do red blood cells start their journey in the heart?
The left ventricle
What is the function of the arteries?
Carry blood away from the heart
For draining blood from the lower regions of the body, which vein is used?
Inferior Vena Cava
How wide is a capillary?
Just wide enough for singles RBCs to pass through
If a RBC is flowing through a microvascular bed in the Kidneys, chances are it is going through a _______ capillary.
Fenestrated
The Tunica media is comprised of these 3 parts:
1. Smooth muscle cells
2. Elastic fibers
3. External elastic lamina
Identify one key structural difference between veins and arteries
One of the following: The larger lumen in veins, the absence of a real elastic layer, and the presence of valves
What is the function of capillaries?
Capillaries are the primary site for exchange of substances to and from the blood
The 3 major veins that drain into the heart are:
SVC, IVC, Coronary Sinus
Which layer anchors the vessels to the surrounding tissues?
Tunica Externa/Adventitia
___ _________ in the tunica _________ layer provides oxygen and nutrients to the outer walls of the vessels
Vaso vasorum, externa
Capillaries branch from a _________ channel in a microvascular bed. They have ________ ________ that regulate blood flow through them.
Thoroughfare
Precapillary Sphincters
How do muscular vessels regulate blood flow?
Vasoconstriction/Vasodilation
Which type of artery is known as the conducting artery? What is an example of this type of artery?
Elastic artery
Ex. aorta
Why do veins possess valves, and how do these valves contribute to the overall efficiency of the circulatory system
To prevent backflow, ensuring unidirectional blood flow and enhancing venous return
What are the 3 Main types of capillaries? Where are they found?
Continuous - Brain, lungs, and heart
Fenestrated - Kidney, Choroid Plexus
Sinusoid: Red Bone Marrow, Liver
The Aorta _______ during ventricular contraction, and _______ during ventricular relaxation to maintain consistent blood flow
Stretches, Recoils