Aneurysm + Vascular Remodelling

Question 1

What are the three main layers of arteries and veins from innermost to outermost

Answer 1

Tunica intima
Tunica media
Tunica adventitia/externa

Question 2

What are the 2 major categories of aneurysms and how do they differ

Answer 2

True aneurysm
- fusiform - blood vessel walls dilate symmetrically
- saccular (berry) aneurysms - asymmetrical ballooning of the blood vessel due to increased BP on one side of the wall

Pseudoaneursym
- false aneurysm - blood leaks out due to small hole and pools which resembles true aneurysm

Question 3

Where do most aortic aneurysms occur

Answer 3

Abdominal aorta

Question 4

What causes an aneurysm

Answer 4

Anything that causes weakness in the vessel walls, as this means it will struggle to withstand the pressure so the diameter of the lumen increases as tension increases (laplace’s law)

Ischemia, infection, hypertension, atherosclerosis are risk factors for aneurysms