Arterial Vessels and Haemodynamics

Question 1

What does the arterial blood pressure (ABP) show

Answer 1

ABP reflects the driving pressure for blood flow.

ABP is determined in the elastic arteries.

Question 2

Rhythmic ejection of blood from the ventricles leads to pulsatile pressure in the aorta and large arteries this is unwanted, how is it dampened and why is this important?

Answer 2

The aorta dampens the pulsatile pressure to ensure there is continuous flow of blood into the circulation. This is important to ensure blood pressure is maintained during diastole and there is blood flow into the capillary beds.