CVS 5 (Control of cardiac output + peripheral circulation) Flashcards
How does the pressure difference between the ends of a vessel affect the flow of blood?
Pressure difference is proportional to flow:
- the greater the pressure difference, the greater the flow
Define flow:
The volume of fluid passing a given point per unit time
Define velocity:
The rate of movement of fluid particles along the tube
At a given flow, how is velocity related to the cross sectional area of a tube?
Velocity is inversely proportional to the cross sectional area (at a given flow):
-As the cross sectional area increases, velocity decreases
What kind of vessel has a small cross sectional area, but high velocity?
Large arteries or veins
What kind of vessel has a large cross sectional area, but low velocity?
Capillaries
What is the approx. cross sectional area of the aorta (in cm)?
~ 2.5 cm
Describe laminar flow:
Fluid travels in thin parallel layers, which each pass over each other.
Velocity is greatest in the middle of the vessel, and decreases towards the edges, where flow is stationary.
Where in a healthy body is laminar flow most likely to become turbulent flow, and why?
Ascending aorta, due to the high velocity of blood.
What kind of flow generates sound waves?
Turbulent flow
Define turbulent flow:
A fluid flow in which the velocity at a given point varies erratically in magnitude and direction
What is the relationship between viscosity and velocity?
Velocity is inversely proportional to viscosity:
- as viscosity increases, velocity decreases
How is the cross sectional area of a tube related to velocity?
Velocity is proportional to the cross sectional area of a tube:
- As cross sectional area increases, velocity increases
Whose Law relates flow (Q) to the viscosity (n) of the fluid, the pressure gradient across the tubing (P), and the length (L) and diameter(r) of the tubing?
Poiseuille’s Law
When does Poiseuille’s Law NOT apply?
In vessels smaller than arterioles
What may cause Hyperviscosity Syndrome?
- High plasma protein levels
- High RBC count
- High WBC count
How may Hyperviscosity Syndrome be treated?
- Plasmapheresis (if high plasma protein levels)
- Phlebotomy (if high WBC/RBC count)
How can pressure be calculated from flow and resistance?
Pressure = Flow x Resistance
How is resistance related to viscosity?
Resistance is proportional to viscosity:
- as viscosity increases, resistance increases
Do arteries have high or low resistance? Why?
Low resistance - small pressure difference between the ends of the vessels
Do arterioles have high or low resistance? Why?
High resistance - large pressure difference between the ends of the vessels
Do capillaries have high or low resistance?
Individually - high resistance
In total - low resistance (as connected in parallel)
Do veins and venues have high or low resistance?
Low resistance
When does flow tend to become turbulent?
- High flow velocity
- Low viscosity
- Irregular lumen of vessel
Define bruit:
An audible vascular sound associated with turbulent blood flow
Define capacitance:
The ability to store blood
Which blood vessels have the highest capacitance? Why?
Veins - most distensible
What is meant by the ‘Windkessel effect’?
The elastic arteries of the body smooth the pressure wave between systole and diastole, by storing blood between heart beats (capacitance)