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Chapter 14 - Blood Vessels/Blood Pressure
Chapter 14 - Blood Vessels/Blood Pressure
12
Physiology
Undergraduate 2
07/19/2011

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Term
Why are some organs considered to be reconditioning organs?
Definition
Some organs receive blood flow in excess of their own needs in order to "recondition" the blood supply. For example, the digestive organs may receive extra blood so that the digested nutrients may be uploaded for transport to the rest of the body. The kidneys receive extra blood so that the organs may filter out the excess wastes. And finally, the skin may receive extra blood so that extra heat may be removed.
Term
What is blood flow?
Definition
Actual volume of blood flowing through a vessel, organ, or the entire circulation in a given period
Term
What is blood pressure?
Definition
Force per unit area exerted on the wall of a blood vessel by its contained blood
Term
What is resistance?
Definition
Opposition to flow

Vive la resistance!
Term
What are three sources of resistance to blood flow?
Definition
1. Blood viscosity - thickness or "stickiness" of the blood; is relatively constant in humans; increased viscosity = decreased flow
2. Blood vessel LENGTH - longer vessel = greater resistance; relatively constant in humans
3. Blood vessel DIAMETER - changes frequently; significantly alters peripheral resistance
Term
What is the relationship of blood flow to blood pressure?
Definition
Blood flow is directly proportional to the difference between two points in the circulation. For example, if delta P increases, so too does blood flow. If delta P decreases, so too does blood flow.
Term
What is the relationship of blood flow to resistance?
Definition
Blood flow is inversely proportional to resistance. For example, if resistance increases, the blood flow decreases.
Term
What happens to the velocity of blood flow through (each type of vessel)?
Definition
Term
Is the blood pressure pulsatile or constant in arteries?
Definition
Pulsatile
Term
Is the blood pressure pulsatile or constant in arterioles?
Definition
Constant
Term
Is the blood pressure pulsatile or constant in capillaries?
Definition
Term
What is the difference between vasoconstriction and vasodilation?
Definition
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