Cardiovascular Physiology 24 Flashcards
What is our entire cardiovascular system lined with?
A smooth layer of endothelial cells
Which cells are in contact with flowing blood?
Endothelial cells
What is the endothelium of the vessels continuous with?
The endocardium of the heart
What do the walls of arteries contain?
- Smooth muscle
- Elastic fibers
- Connective tissue
What do the muscular walls of the arteries allow them to do?
Contract and change diameter
What does the Elasticity of arteries do?
Permit passive changes in vessel diameter in response to changes in blood pressure
What do Passive changes refer to?
The ability of an artery to stretch in response to an increased blood pressure and recoil in response to a drop in pressure without contracting or relaxing smooth muscle
What does arterial smooth muscle do when stimulated?
Contracts, constricting the artery called vasoconstriction
What does relaxation of smooth muscle do in relation to arteries?
Increases the diameter of the artery. This is called vasodilation.
What are the different types of Arteries?
Elastic Arteries
Muscular Arteries
Arterioles
What do Elastic Arteries contain?
Many elastic fibers and few smooth muscle cells
What are some examples of elastic arteries?
The Pulmonary trunk and the aorta
When do elastic arteries expand?
During systole when the stroke volume increases
What do Muscular arteries contain?
Many smooth muscle cells and very little elastic fibers
What is an example of a Muscular artery?
The femoral artery of the thigh
