Intro to CV Physiology

Question 1

What are the 2 primary roles of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 1

• Provide a mass transit system to move materials around the body
• An exchange surface for movement of materials into and out of the vascular space

Question 2

Describe the two factors that control blood flow through a blood vessel.

Answer 2

Flow = (Pressure drop) / Resistance

Question 3

What is the primary control variable that assures the CV system meets its homeostatic role?

Answer 3

Mean arterial pressure (MAP)

Question 4

What are the two factors that control MAP?

Answer 4

Cardiac output (CO) & TPR (total peripheral resistance)

• Increase either and MAP increases
• Decrease either and MAP decreases

Question 5

What two factors influence cardiac output (CO)?

Answer 5

Heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV)

Question 6

What vascular segment has the greatest effect on TPR?

Answer 6

Arterioles