Chapter 10 - Vascular Physiology Flashcards
(158 cards)
Components of the Circulatory System
the heart, blood vessels, blood
Affects of the Circulatory system
a) endocrine system: hormones such as epinephrine increase HR
b) nervous system: role in increasing/decreasing HR
c) kidneys: filter blood, regulate water levels and BP
Blood Flow Characteristics
-constantly reconditioned
-composition remains relatively constant
Reconditioning Organ Role
-receive more blood than needed for metabolic needs
-adjust extra blood to maintain homeostasis
Reconditioning Organs
digestive organs, kidneys, skin
Adjusting Blood Flow
-blood flow to organs is adjusted according to metabolic needs
-ie. the ANS controls: exercise means blood flow is increased to skeletal muscles whereas during relaxation blood flow is increased to GI organs
Which organ can’t tolerate a disrupted blood supply?
the brain must have constant blood supply to maintain functions
Distribution of Cardiac Output at REST
-almost half (41%) is directed to reconditioning organs (digestive system and kidneys)
-13% to brain
-15% to skeletal muscles which don’t need lots of blood at rest
Cardiac Output
-equal to the stroke volume x heart rate
-ie. 70 x 70 = 5L/min at rest
What does blood flow depend on?
pressure and resistance in the vascular system
Blood Flow Definition
-the volume of blood passing through a vessel per unit of time
Blood Flow Equation
F (flow) = ΔP (pressure)/R (resistance)
Pressure Gradient (ΔP)
-the pressure difference between the beginning and end of a vessel
Gradient of Blood Flow
-blood flows from an area of high pressure to areas of low pressure
Resistance (R)
-the measure of opposition/friction of blood flow through a vessel
Resistance depends on…
a) blood viscosity: how thick the blood is
b) vessel length: how long the tube is
c) vessel radius: how wide/narrow the vessel is
Pressure/Flow Relationship
-a directly proportional relationship
-if you increase pressure you increase flow
Remember when calculating Flow…
-ΔP is the difference in the pressure between the beginning and end of a vessel
-ie. 50mmHg - 10mmHg = 40mmHg
What changes in blood vessels?
-Blood vessel length does NOT change
-blood vessel diameter does change
Changing vessel diameter
via smooth muscle cells in the vessel walls arranged in a circular pattern that are initiated by the ANS to control vasoconstriction/dilation
Blood Viscosity
-the friction between molecules of a flowing fluid
-increase friction, increase viscosity
-determined by the number of RBCs
Vessel length vs. resistance
the longer the vessel the greater the resistance (length is constant)
Vessel radius vs. resistance
-radius is the major variable
-smaller the vessel the greater the resistance
-resistance (R) is proportional to 1/r⁴ (radius)
-ie. doubling radius decreased R by 16x and increases flow by 16x
-small changes on radius (r) give big changes in resistance (R)
Where is resistance highest?
Arterioles