5. The Microcirculation Flashcards
Describe the arrangement of the microcirculation
1st order arterioles, Terminal arterioles, capillary, pericytic (post-capillary venule), Venule
Define blood flow rate
Volume of blood passing through a vessel per unit time
What is the equation for blood flow rate?
F = delta P/R
F = Blood flow rate
delta P = Pressure gradient
R = Vascular resistance
Define resistance
Hindrance to the blood flow due to friction between moving fluid and stationary vascular walls
What are the factors that affect resistance?
Blood viscosity
Vessel radius
Vessel length
Which is the main factor affecting resistance?
Vessel radius. Vessel length and blood viscosity is fairly constant
Resistance is directly proportional to…
1/r^4
r = radius
What happens when the BP increases?
The difference in pressure increases and the blood flow rate increases
What happens when arteriolar vasoconstriction occurs?
The resistance increases but the blood flow rate decreases
What is the mean arterial pressure/normal blood pressure in any artery?
93mmHg
Where does blood pressure changes occur?
Across the arterioles
Why does the system lower blood pressure as blood cross the arterioles?
This is so that blood passes relatively slowly through the capillary bed to allow the exchange of nutrients
What is blood pressure at the end of the capillaries?
Venous blood so 0mmHg
How can the blood flow rate equation be written as in terms of an organ?
F Organ = delta P (=MAP)/R Organ
Because the pressure going out pretty much 0, the delta P is just going to be around MAP
What is the major determinant of the blood flow in the body?
Resistance to the arterioles in the organ
Describe vascular tone
Arteriolar smooth muscle usually displays a state of partial constriction
What are the functions of the radii of arterioles being able to be adjusted independently?
- Match blood flow to the metabolic needs of specific tissues - this is regulated by local intrinsic control
- Help regulate arterial blood pressure - regulated by extrinsic controls
Define active Hyperemia
An increase in organ blood flow that is associated with increased metabolic activity of an organ or tissue
What change is detected in the tissues resulting in the arterioles vasodilating?
Metabolism increases and oxygen consumption increases
What two environments do arterioles respond to?
Physical and chemical environment
What happens when blood temperature decreases?
The microcirculation will detect this change and make the arteriolar smooth muscle contract so that less blood reaches the surface and so less heat is radiated away
What is the equation for cardiac output?
CO = MAP/TPR