3.2.2 Blood vessels

Question 1

What is the function of arteries?

Answer 1

To move blood away from the heart to the rest of the body

Question 2

Describe the structure of arteries.

Answer 2

-Thick walled to withstand high blood pressure,
-Contain elastic tissue which allows
them to stretch and recoil thus smoothing blood flow,
-Contain smooth muscle which
enables them to vary blood flow,
-Lined with smooth endothelium to reduce friction and ease flow of blood

Question 3

What is the function of arterioles?

Answer 3

They feed blood into the capillaries

Question 4

Describe the structure of arterioles.

Answer 4

Have thinner and less muscular walls.

Question 5

What is the function of capillaries?

Answer 5

The site of metabolic exchange

Question 6

Describe the structure of capillaries.

Answer 6

-Only one cell thick for fast exchange of substances

Question 7

What is the function of venules?

Answer 7

Connect blood from the capillaries into the veins

Question 8

Describe the structure of venules.

Answer 8

Larger than capillaries but smaller than veins

Question 9

What is the function of veins?

Answer 9

Carry blood from the body to the heart.

Question 10

Describe the structure of veins.

Answer 10

-Contain a wide lumen to maximise
volume of blood carried to the heart, -Thin walled as blood is under low pressure,
-Contain valves to prevent back-flow of blood, no pulse of blood meaning there’s little elastic tissue or smooth muscle as there is no need for stretching and recoiling