Fluid Exchange and Hemodynamic Homeostasis Flashcards
What are capillaries?
Capillaries are the smallest and most numerous blood vessels in the body, connecting arterioles and venules.
What is the primary function of capillaries?
They play a crucial role in nutrient, gas, and waste exchange between the blood and tissues.
What type of cells make up the walls of capillaries?
Capillary walls consist of a single layer of endothelial cells.
What is the significance of the thin walls of capillaries?
The thin walls allow for efficient exchange of substances like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products.
What is the basal lamina?
The basal lamina is a thin basement membrane beneath the endothelial layer that provides structural support.
What is the typical diameter range of capillaries?
Capillaries typically have a diameter ranging from about 5 to 10 micrometres.
What is the effect of capillary diameter on blood flow?
The small diameter slows down blood flow, allowing more time for exchange between the blood and tissues.
What are fenestrated capillaries?
Fenestrated capillaries are those with small pores in the endothelial cells, allowing greater permeability to larger molecules.
Where are fenestrated capillaries commonly found?
Fenestrated capillaries are found in organs like the kidneys, intestines, and endocrine glands.
What are sinusoidal capillaries?
Sinusoidal capillaries have larger gaps between endothelial cells, allowing for the exchange of larger proteins and cells.
Where can sinusoidal capillaries be found?
Sinusoidal capillaries are found in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
What role do endothelial cells play in capillaries?
Endothelial cells regulate permeability and secrete signaling molecules that help regulate blood flow.
What is a capillary bed?
A capillary bed is a network of capillaries supplying blood to a specific tissue or organ.
What are precapillary sphincters?
Precapillary sphincters are small muscles that control blood flow through capillary beds.
What are the three types of capillaries?
The three types of capillaries are:
* Continuous capillaries
* Fenestrated capillaries
* Sinusoidal capillaries
What is the primary characteristic of continuous capillaries?
Continuous capillaries have tightly joined endothelial cells and minimal permeability.
What is the process of diffusion in capillary exchange?
Diffusion is the movement of substances from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration through capillary walls.
What influences the movement of water and small solutes in capillaries?
The movement is influenced by hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure.
What occurs at the arterial end of capillaries?
At the arterial end, filtration predominates.
What occurs at the venous end of capillaries?
At the venous end, reabsorption occurs.
What is pinocytosis in the context of capillaries?
Pinocytosis is the process where endothelial cells take in fluid and small molecules via vesicles.
What is bulk flow in the context of capillary exchange?
The movement of fluid and solutes in response to pressure differences, including filtration and reabsorption.
What occurs during filtration at the arterial end of the capillary?
Blood pressure is higher than osmotic pressure, forcing water and small solutes out of the capillaries into the interstitial fluid.
What is the role of reabsorption at the venous end of the capillary?
Promotes the movement of water and some solutes back into the capillaries due to higher osmotic pressure.