Retinal vasculature (blood vessels)

Question 1

what are the two types of blood vessels in the retina

Answer 1

arteries and veins
arteries carry oxygenated blood at high pressures

Question 2

What are the layers of the arteries

Answer 2

tunica interna - endothelium
tunica media - smooth muscles, regulates blood flow
tunica externa - connective tissue

Question 3

layers of the vein

Answer 3

tunica interna - endothelium
tunica media - thin smooth muscle layer
tunica externa - connective tissue

Question 4

how to tell difference between artery and vein

Answer 4

arteries are lighter in colour, veins darker
arteries are thinner, veins are wider

Question 5

what is it called when an artery or a vein splits

Answer 5

bifurcation

Question 6

what is typically the A/V ratio

Answer 6

0.66
arteries are usually 2/3rd the width of a vein

Question 7

cotton wool spots

Answer 7

occurs due to blood vessels not working properly and not providing blood and oxygen to the retina. when there is a lack of oxygen they are not able to function. seen in diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy

Question 8

what is papilledema

Answer 8

swelling of the optic disc

Question 9

hard exudates

Answer 9

caused by blood vessels leaking as endothelium is not doing its job and leaking blood plasma and lipids forming in exudates

Question 10

arteriosclerosis

Answer 10

progressive narrowing and hardening of arteries with time

Question 11

atherosclerosis

Answer 11

blockage of arteries through plaque build up

Question 12

what are the risk factors associated with arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis

Answer 12

high cholesterol
hypertension
smoking
diabetes
family history