Cardiovascular System (Weak Points)

Question 1

Compare arteries, capillaries, and veins

Similarities between all three? (1)
Similarities between arteries and veins? (2)
Differences between arteries and veins? (2)
Function? (3)

Answer 1

Similarities between all three:
1) All have endothelium

Similarities between arteries and veins:

1) Both have basement tissue
2) Both have connective tissue

Differences between arteries and veins:

1) The smooth muscle in the arteries are protected by an elastic layer, but not in the veins
2) The veins have a valve, while the arteries do not

Function:

1) Arteries carry blood away from the heart
2) Veins carry blood to the heart
3) Capillaries exchange materials

Question 2

Outline the flow of blood through blood vessels throughout the body

Answer 2

Blood flows from the heart through arteries to capillaries to veins to the heart. In the veins, blood flow is weak, so the valve allows the blood to return to the heart more easily.

Question 3

Explain how blood pressure and blood volume impact blood flow throughout the body?

Answer 3

Blood Pressure:
If blood pressure gets too high, the heart contracts too much, allowing for less blood flow

Blood Volume:
As blood volume decreases, the blood flow stops because the heart no longer has anything to pump.