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Blood Vessels Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the three main types of blood vessels?
    Arteries, veins, and capillaries.
  • What type of cells line the lumen of all blood vessels?
    Squamous epithelium called endothelium.
  • Name the three layers of a typical blood vessel wall.
    Tunica interna, tunica media, and tunica externa.
  • What is the function of the internal and external elastic membranes in vessels?
    They provide elasticity allowing vessels to stretch and recoil.
  • What are the general characteristics of arteries?
    They are elastic, contractile, and capable of vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
  • What is the role of elastic arteries?
    They act as pressure reservoirs to maintain blood flow during diastole.
  • What distinguishes muscular arteries from elastic arteries?
    Muscular arteries have more smooth muscle for regulating blood flow by vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
  • What are arterioles?
    Small arteries that regulate blood flow into capillary beds through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
  • Name the three types of capillaries.
    Continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoids.
  • What feature characterizes continuous capillaries?
    They have intercellular clefts allowing limited passage of substances.
  • What is a fenestrated capillary?
    A capillary with pores (fenestrations) that allow increased permeability.
  • What are sinusoids?
    Wide, leaky capillaries that allow passage of large molecules and cells.
  • What is a metarteriole?
    A vessel that links arterioles to capillary beds and controls blood flow into true capillaries.
  • What is the function of precapillary sphincters?
    They regulate blood flow into individual capillaries by opening or closing.
  • Define vasomotion.
    The rhythmic contraction and relaxation of precapillary sphincters controlling capillary blood flow.
  • What are anastomoses in the circulatory system?
    Connections between blood vessels that provide alternative pathways for blood flow.
  • What structural feature do veins have to prevent backflow?
    Veins contain valves that prevent blood from flowing backward.
  • What mechanisms assist venous return against gravity?
    The skeletal muscle pump and the respiratory pump.
  • What are varicose veins?
    Veins with damaged valves causing blood pooling and vein enlargement.
  • Why are veins considered blood reservoirs?
    Because they can hold a large volume of blood and regulate its return to the heart.