CVS 4: Bloodflow Flashcards
Describe the structure and function of the large arteries
Large, thick-walled and elastic which dampen the high pressure of blood from the heart
Describe the structure and function of smaller arteries
Have extensive smooth muscle in their walls to REGULATE their diameters and provide RESISTANCE to blood flow
Describe the structure and function of veins
Very stretchy and highly compliant
Act as a reservoir for blood volume
Describe the structure and function of capillaries
Very thin walls
Facilitates transport and diffusion of nutrients
What is Darcy’s Law?
Flow in a fluid circuit: DP= Q x R DP= change in pressure Q= volumetric flow R= Resistance
How can you relate Darcy’s law to the body’s circulation?
MBP= CO x PVR
What assumptions are made about the Peripheral Vascular Resistance?
This is an approximation because:
- It assumes a steady flow (which doesn’t occur because of the intermittent pumping of the heart)
- That the vessels are rigid
- That right atrial pressure is negligible (on L.atrial pressure creating the force)
What causes pressure to fall across the circuit? And where is the most pressure lost?
Viscous (frictional) pressure losses
Small arteries and arterioles
Which three variables affects the resistance to blood flow?
- Fluid viscosity (mostly constant)
- Length of tube (remains constant)
- Inner radius of tube (main determinant)
Which law states the importance of artery radius for altering resistance?
*Can you remember the equation?
Poiseuille’s Equation
R= 8Ln/πr^4
= small increase in radius=> massive decrease in resistance because of the power
What happens in terms of vasoconstriction and dilation during exercise?
Vasoconstriction of blood to some organs (to the intestines, kidneys etc.)
Vasodilation of blood to skeletal muscle, liver)
What sort of blood flow do you get in vessels? Describe this type of flow
LAMINAR FLOW
- streamlined flow
- doesn’t interfere with each other
- velocity of the fluid is constant at any one point
What is the opposite of laminar flow? Describe the characteristics of this type of flow
TURBULENT FLOW - Irregular flow - Tiny whirlpool regions - velocity not constant at any one point Could be PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL
Which type of flow produces sound and what are these sounds called?
TURBULENT FLOW produces sounds and these sounds are called the sounds of korotkoff
Where in the vessel does blood flow quickest and why?
- Velocity increases as distance from wall increases (middle flows faster than sides)
- Because of adhesive forces which attach the blood to the vessel walls
What is shear rate?
The velocity gradient in the vessel= difference between highest velocity in the middle of the lumen and the lowest velocity by the sides