arteries blood vessels Flashcards
What do arteries do?
Carry blood away from the heart to organs.
In which direction does blood in arteries move?
Always forwards
Why do arteries have a thick muscle wall?
To prevent the artery from bursting due to the flow of blood being at a high pressure.
Why does the artery have a thick elastic layer?
Maintain blood pressure and allow the vessel to stretch and recoil.
Why does the artery have a thick muscular layer?
To control blood volume.
What is the thick muscular layer made up of?
The outer layer- made out of collagen
smooth muscle
What does the collagen outer layer do?
Strenghen the wall of the artery against the pressure of the blood.
What does the smooth muscle do?
Contracts.The diameter of the artery narrows.
What does the smooth muscle do in terms of blood?
Controls the amount of blood flow to different organs.
what is the lumen?
It’s the central cavity.Its where blood flows through.
What does the lumen have to reduce?
Smooth surface to reduce friction as blood flows through.
