Structure of Blood Vessels

Question 1

What are the largest blood vessels in the body? What is their purpose? What are their 3 layers?

Answer 1

Aorta and elastic arteries; Conduits for blood flow to smaller arterial branches;

1. Tunica intima
2. Tunica media
3. Tunica adventitia - Contains vessels that give rise to the vaso vasorum

Question 2

What is unique about the tunica media of large muscular arteries?

Answer 2

Consists of layers of smooth muscle without bands of elastin. The lack of elastin allows for more efficient contraction.

Question 3

What is the job of the smaller muscular arteries?

Answer 3

The are important regulators of blood flow

Question 4

What is a key feature of capillaries?

Answer 4

They allow for the exchange of solutes and cells between blood and extracellular fluid.

Question 5

What is the job of the venules? What immune function occurs in the venules?

Answer 5

They are the first vessels to collect blood from the capillaries

Question 6

What is the job of the lymphatics?

Answer 6

To drain interstitial fluid