Astherolosis Flashcards
Arteries
Thick layer of muscle and elastic tissue
Have the highest pressure
Takes blood away from he heart
Veins
Thin layer of muscle and elastic tissue
Brings blood to the heart
Has vowels to stop the blood from moving down
Capillaries
No muscle or elastic tissue
Only made of endothedlium
Where diffusion occurs
Squamous endothelium
Smooth to reduce friction so blood can flow easily
The single layer in capillaries means the
oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients can diffuse in and out
What is the name given to the narrowing of blood vessels
Atherosclerosis
What are the three risk factors of astherolosic and explain why
- smoking ( nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes damages endothelium
- diet ( saturated fats)
- High blood pressure ( damages endothelium)
how do you work out the % change to the lumen of the blood vessel
% change = difference / original x 100
What is the difference between the high and low lipoproteins
Low lipoproteins:
- bad
- carried cholesterol to cells / blood vessels
High lipoproteins:
- good
- carries cholesterol to liver to be broken down
Outline how astherolcosis develops in 7 steps
- Endothelial cells in the artery get damaged
- Triggers an inflammatory response swelling & WBC move to area
- WBC (neutrophils) engulf LDLs by phagocytosis, forming foam cells
- These foam cells contain cholesterol, which builds up in the artery wall and forms an atheroma plaque
- Narrows lumen diameter
- Increases blood pressure the (same volume of blood is trying to squeeze through a smaller tube)
- Heart has to work harder
What is a thrombus
A blood clot
How can a thrombus cause a heart attack
The protective membrane of the plaque will rupture
Why is endothelium beneficial in blood vessels
Has no muscle
Its smooth to reduce friction so blood can flow easily
