Blood Vessels Flashcards
1
Q
What is the function of the arteries?
A
- Carries blood away from the heart
2
Q
What is the function of the arterioles?
A
- controls blood flow from arteries to capillaries
3
Q
What is the function of the capillaries?
A
- exchange surface for oxygen/carbon dioxide/ glucose
4
Q
What is the function of the venules?
A
- connects capillaries to veins
5
Q
What is the function of the veins?
A
- carries blood towards the heart
6
Q
How are the arteries adapted?
A
- collagen - thick layer to withstand high pressure
- smooth muscle - thick layer to main high pressure
- elastin - thick layer so they can stretch and recoil to maintain pressure
- endothelium - allows for expansion under high pressure
- no valves
7
Q
How are the arterioles adapted?
A
- collagen - thick layer to withstand high pressure
- smooth muscle - constrict and dilate the flow of blood
- less elastin
- endothelium - regulates exchanges of gas
- no valves
8
Q
How are the capillaries adapted?
A
- no collagen
- no smooth muscle
- no elastin
- one cell thick - for diffusion
- no valves
9
Q
How are the veins adapted?
A
- lots of collagen
- smooth muscle - to withstand high pressure
- elastin - stretch and recoils to maintain pressure
- endothelium - regulating blood flow
- valves - to prevent backflow of blood
10
Q
How are the venules adapted?
A
- no collagen - low pressure
- no smooth muscle
- few or no elastin fibres
- endothelium - controls exchange of substances between blood and surrounding
- some valves to prevent backflow
11
Q
What three layers are blood vessels composed of?
A
- Endothelium
- Tunica Media
- Tunica Externa
