Question 1

Which layer of the blood vessel wall is primarily responsible for minimizing friction as blood flows through the lumen, and what is its main cellular component?

Accepted Answer

Tunica intima; composed mainly of endothelial cells

Question 2

What is the primary function of the tunica media in blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

To regulate vessel diameter through contraction and relaxation

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the tunica adventitia (also called tunica externa)?

Accepted Answer

It is the outermost layer, composed mainly of collagen fibers and connective tissue

Question 4

Which structure is labeled as the 'lumen' in the diagram, and what is its function?

Accepted Answer

The central cavity through which blood flows

Question 5

If a patient has a disease that damages the endothelial cells of their arteries, which of the following complications is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of blood clot formation due to loss of smooth surface

Question 6

Which layer is most responsible for the structural integrity and anchoring of the blood vessel to surrounding tissues?

Accepted Answer

Tunica adventitia

Question 7

During vasoconstriction, which layer of the blood vessel wall is primarily involved, and what happens to the lumen?

Accepted Answer

Tunica media; lumen diameter decreases

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of the three main layers of a typical artery from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Tunica intima, tunica media, tunica adventitia

Question 9

Which layer contains the vasa vasorum, and what is its function?

Accepted Answer

Tunica adventitia; nourishes the external tissues of the vessel wall

Question 10

A drug that targets smooth muscle contraction in blood vessels would primarily affect which layer?

Accepted Answer

Tunica media

Blood Vessel Structure: Layers and Functions

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