Question 1

Which of the following best explains why veins are called capacitance vessels?

Accepted Answer

They have a greater capacity for blood containment than arteries due to their thin, flaccid walls.

Question 2

A patient has a blood pressure of 135/85 mm Hg. What is their mean arterial pressure (MAP)? Use the formula $$MAP = DBP + \frac{SBP - DBP}{3}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = 85 + \frac{135-85}{3} = 85 + 16.67 = 101.67 mm Hg$$

Question 3

Which of the following changes would most likely increase peripheral resistance and thus raise blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Increasing vessel length

Question 4

A patient with severe dehydration is at risk for increased blood viscosity. What is the physiological consequence of this change?

Accepted Answer

Increased resistance and increased workload on the heart

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of precapillary sphincters?

Accepted Answer

They regulate blood flow into capillary beds by opening or closing in response to local metabolic needs.

Question 6

During exercise, blood flow to skeletal muscles increases dramatically. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Local accumulation of metabolites causing vasodilation in muscle capillaries

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between blood flow (F), pressure difference ($$\Delta P$$), and resistance (R)?

Accepted Answer

$$F = (P_1$ - P_2$) / R$$

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with an arteriovenous anastomosis in the lower limb. What is the physiological significance of this structure?

Accepted Answer

It allows blood to bypass the capillary bed, flowing directly from an artery to a vein.

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct effect of the baroreceptor reflex in response to a sudden drop in blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and vasoconstriction

Question 10

Which hormone increases blood pressure by promoting sodium retention in the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Question 11

A patient with liver disease develops ascites and portal hypertension. What is the underlying mechanism for the development of ascites in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Obstruction of hepatic circulation increases hydrostatic pressure in the portal system, leading to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why blood velocity decreases as it moves from the aorta to the capillaries?

Accepted Answer

The total cross-sectional area of the capillaries is much greater than that of the aorta.

Question 13

Which of the following is a likely consequence of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limb?

Accepted Answer

Obstruction of venous return, potentially leading to pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on blood vessels during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilation in skeletal muscle and vasoconstriction in the GI tract

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating resistance (R) in a blood vessel according to Poiseuille’s Law?

Accepted Answer

$$R = \frac{128vl}{\pi D^4$}$$

Question 16

A patient is experiencing circulatory shock due to severe blood loss. Which type of shock is this, and what is the primary physiological problem?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemic shock; low blood volume leading to inadequate perfusion

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the hepatic portal system?

Accepted Answer

It carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver for processing.

Question 18

Which of the following is a primary cause of edema?

Accepted Answer

Obstructed lymphatic drainage

Question 19

Which of the following statements about capillary exchange is correct?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen and glucose diffuse out of the blood, while carbon dioxide and wastes diffuse into the blood.

Question 20

A patient with chronic hypertension is at increased risk for which of the following vascular complications?

Accepted Answer

Aneurysm formation due to increased pressure on arterial walls

Blood Vessels and Circulatory Physiology: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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