Term
| Why are some organs considered to be reconditioning organs? |
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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. |
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Term
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Definition
| Actual volume of blood flowing through a vessel, organ, or the entire circulation in a given period |
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Term
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Definition
| Force per unit area exerted on the wall of a blood vessel by its contained blood |
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Term
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Definition
Opposition to flow
Vive la resistance! |
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Term
| What are three sources of resistance to blood flow? |
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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 |
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Term
| What is the relationship of blood flow to blood pressure? |
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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. |
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Term
| What is the relationship of blood flow to resistance? |
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Definition
| Blood flow is inversely proportional to resistance. For example, if resistance increases, the blood flow decreases. |
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Term
| What happens to the velocity of blood flow through (each type of vessel)? |
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Definition
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Term
| Is the blood pressure pulsatile or constant in arteries? |
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Definition
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Term
| Is the blood pressure pulsatile or constant in arterioles? |
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Definition
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Term
| Is the blood pressure pulsatile or constant in capillaries? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the difference between vasoconstriction and vasodilation? |
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Definition
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