Function of the CVS 1

Question 1

Describe the function of the right side of the heart in the cardiovascular system.

Answer 1

The right side of the heart pumps blood into the pulmonary circulation, where gas exchange occurs in the lungs.

Question 2

Define the role of the left side of the heart in the cardiovascular system.

Answer 2

The left side of the heart is responsible for pumping blood into the systemic circulation, where oxygen is delivered to tissues and organs.

Question 3

How does the cardiovascular system contribute to thermoregulation?

Answer 3

The cardiovascular system sends warm blood to the skin where heat can be lost, aiding in regulating body temperature.

Question 4

Do arterioles play a role in redirecting blood flow in the cardiovascular system?

Answer 4

Yes, arterioles redirect blood flow to areas where it is needed most, such as during exercise when more blood is required in skeletal muscles.

Question 5

Describe the flexibility of the heart in response to physical activity.

Answer 5

The heart can increase its rate and strength of contraction during exercise to pump more oxygen around the body.

Question 6

What is the function of veins and venules in the cardiovascular system?

Answer 6

Veins and venules are capable of storing about two-thirds of the body’s blood, serving as reservoirs within the cardiovascular system.

Question 7

Describe the arrangement of the heart’s pumping system in terms of series.

Answer 7

The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs, and then the blood must go to the left side of the heart to be pumped into the systemic circulation, functioning in series.

Question 8

Explain the concept of vascular beds being arranged in parallel.

Answer 8

Vascular beds like the head, legs, and arms are arranged in parallel, meaning they receive oxygenated blood simultaneously.

Question 9

What is the significance of arranging vascular beds in parallel?

Answer 9

It allows tissues to receive oxygenated blood simultaneously and enables regional redirection of blood flow.

Question 10

Define the portal system in the context of blood circulation.

Answer 10

The portal system involves the liver having its own blood supply arranged in parallel, allowing nutrients absorbed in the gut to be metabolized in the liver.

Question 11

How does the arrangement of the gut and liver in series benefit the body?

Answer 11

It allows nutrients absorbed in the gut to be passed on to the liver for metabolism, reflecting a series arrangement for specific functions.

Question 12

Describe the potential consequences of an imbalance in blood output between the right and left sides of the heart.

Answer 12

An imbalance could lead to blood accumulation in the lungs, causing serious health issues due to the series arrangement of the heart’s pumping system.

Question 13

Describe the proportion of cardiac output received by the brain.

Answer 13

The brain receives about 13% of the total cardiac output.

Question 14

What discrepancy is observed in the heart’s oxygen usage compared to its cardiac output?

Answer 14

The heart receives 4% of the cardiac output but uses 10% of the oxygen.

Question 15

Explain the reason for the skin receiving more blood flow than oxygen usage.

Answer 15

The skin receives 9% of the cardiac output for thermoregulation purposes, even though it only uses 2% of the oxygen.

Question 16

How does the kidneys’ oxygen usage compare to their cardiac input?

Answer 16

The kidneys use 20% of the cardiac input but only 6% of the oxygen due to their filtration function.

Question 17

Define Darcy’s law in the context of blood flow.

Answer 17

Darcy’s law states that flow equals the difference in pressure divided by resistance, explaining how fluid flows in tubes.

Question 18

Describe the redirection of blood flow during exercise.

Answer 18

During exercise, blood is redirected particularly to skeletal muscle to meet increased oxygen demands.

Question 19

What is the total cardiac output at rest according to the content?

Answer 19

The total cardiac output at rest is around 5000 ml/min or 5 l/min.

Question 20

Explain the discrepancy in oxygen usage by the heart despite its continuous pumping.

Answer 20

The heart uses 10% of the oxygen despite receiving only 4% of the cardiac output due to its high oxygen demands for continuous pumping.

Question 21

Describe the major blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Answer 21

Arteries are the major blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Question 22

Define arterioles in the context of blood vessels.

Answer 22

Arterioles are referred to as resistance vessels that can change diameter to regulate blood flow through vascular beds.

Question 23

How do capillaries function in the circulatory system?

Answer 23

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

Question 24

Describe the role of veins and venules in the cardiovascular system.

Answer 24

Veins and venules, known as capacitance vessels, store blood and help regulate blood distribution in the body.

Question 25

What is the fractional distribution of blood referring to?

Answer 25

The fractional distribution of blood indicates the proportion of blood in veins and venules compared to the rest of the systemic circulation.

Question 26

Explain the concept of the cardiovascular system as a bulk flow system.

Answer 26

The cardiovascular system transports gases, nutrients, and metabolites throughout the body, functioning as a bulk flow system.