Blood Vessels Flashcards
What is a basement membrane?
Thin, dense layer of extracellular matrix, sperate from the cell membrane.
What is the function of arteries?
Carries blood away from the heart at high pressures to the lungs and body.
How are the arteries adapted for their function?
-Thick muscular and elastic walls to withstand a higher pressure.
-Thin lumen to maintain pressure and control blood flow.
What is the function of an arteriole?
Carries high pressure blood from the arteries to the capillaries which are at a low pressure (reduces pressure).
What is the function of cappileries?
To diffuse oxygen into all body cells and carbon dioxide out.
How are the capillaries adapted for the function?
-Single cell thick so has a short diffusion pathway (endothelium layer).
-Is permeable so substances can be exchanged with tissues
How is the vein adapted for its function?
-Has a large lumen.
-Has valves to avoid backflow of blood.
What is the function of a vein?
Carries deoxygenated blood towards the heart.
What is the epithelium?
A type of body tissue which covers surfaces and lines body cavities and hollow organs.
How does the lining layer help blood vessels?
Is smooth to prevent friction.
How does the elastic layer help blood vessels?
Maintains blood pressure and can stretch/spring back.
How does the muscle layer help blood vessels?
Contracts to control bloodflow.
How does the tough outer layer help blood vessels?
Resists pressure inside and outside of the vessel.
What is the endothelium layer?
A single layer of cells that line a blood vessel, but the only layer in capillaries.
What is the function of venules?
Carries blood under low pressure from the capillaries into the veins.
