deck_608782 Flashcards
Define flow
The volume of fluid passing a given point per unit time
Define velocity
Rate of movement of fluid particles along the tube
Describe laminar flow
there is a gradient of velocity from the middle to the edge of the vessel. Velocity is highest in the centre, and fluid is stationary at the edge. The flow in most blood vessels is laminar.
Describe turbulent flow
As mean velocity increases, flow eventually becomes turbulent. Velocity gradient breaks down – layers of fluid try to move over each other faster than physics will allow. This greatly increases flow resistance.
Define viscosity
The extent to which fluid layers resist sliding over one another.
Describe the effects of viscosity on rate of low
Higher viscosity leads to slower flow of central layers, so the average velocity will be slower. Low viscosity – difference between the centre and the edge is greater. There is a smaller difference with high viscosity liquids.
What are the factors that occur in turbulent flow?
– flow resistance is increased greatly so is harder to pump blood around. – noise is generated which can be heard with a stethoscope
What is flow determined by?
Mean velocity – the higher the mean velocity, the more flow there is
What occurs when there is more viscosity?
Lower average velocity
What effects does the tube diameter have on flow rate?
At a constant velocity, the wider the tube the faster the middle layers flow.
What is velocity proportional to?
Mean velocity is proportional to the cross sectional area of the tube.
What determine the slope of the gradient of velocity?
The viscosity of the fluid
What are the relationships between mean velocity, viscosity and cross sectional area?
Mean velocity is inversely proportional to viscosityMean velocity is directly proportional to cross sectional area
At fixed pressure, what changes are seen in velocity and the tube diameter?
Increased velocity occurs when the diameter increases
At fixed flow, what changes are seen in velocity and the tube diameter?
Increasing the diameter of the tube will decrease the velocity of blood flow