KA5 Structure & Function of Artries, capillarys, Veins Flashcards
What is the function of an artery
Carry blood away from heart at high pressure
what is the wall structure of an artery
- thick outer layer containing elastic fibres
- middle layer of smooth muscle & elastic fibres
- lining of endothelium
what size is the lumen in an artery
Narrow
What is function of the thick and elastic wall in the artery
withstands surge of blood when heart contracts
What is the function of Smooth muscle in artery walls
Controls blood flow by contracting and relaxing causing vasoconstriction, vasodilation
What is the function of a capillary
Allows exchange of substances
what is the wall structure of a capillary
very thin, one cell thick
what size is the lumen in a capillary
very narrow
what is the function of a vein
carries blood towards the heart
what is the wall structure of a vein
- thin outer layer containing elastic fibres
*middle layer containing muscle and elastic fibres - lining of endothelium
What size is the lumen in a vein
wide
what is the function of a wide lumen in a vein
less resistance to blood flow
What does blood consist of
red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma
what is plasma
watery yellow fluid that contains all blood cells and glucose, amino acids, carbon dioxide, plasma proteins & ions
why is blood forced into capillaries
blood arriving at ateriole side of capillary bed at a higher pressure thus it undergoes pressure filtration