MECHANISMS OF VENOUS RETURN

Question 1

What is the ACRONYM which helps us remember the 5 mechanisms of venous return?

Answer 1

GET 
MY 
RED 
STUFF 
PUMPING

Question 2

Describe what G stands for?

Answer 2

GRAVITY

Blood from above the heart has the aid of gravity to return to the heart.

Question 3

What does the M stand for?

Answer 3

MUSCLE PUMP

Skeletal muscles contracting compresses the veins between them. This squeezes the blood back to the heart.

Question 4

What does the R stand for?

Answer 4

RESPIRATORY PUMP
During inspirations and expiration pressure between the thoracic cavity and abdominal are created. This squeezes blood back to the heart.

Question 5

What does the S stand for?

Answer 5

SMOOTH MUSCLE
The smooth muscle in the walls of the veins venoconstrict creating venomotor tone and aiding the movement of blood back to the heart.

Question 6

What does P stand for?

Answer 6

POCKET VALVES
Valves in the. Wins ensure BLOOD only flows in one direction.
Preventing back flow.

Question 7

Which VR mechanisms are used at rest?

Answer 7

GRAVITY, SMOOTH MUSCLE, POCKET VALVES

Question 8

What are the additional mechanisms used during exercise?

Answer 8

MUSCLE/RESPIRATORY PUMPS

Question 9

If these additional mechanisms are not taking place, what will happen to the increased Q?

Answer 9

Blood will pool at the pocket valves -> not getting back to heart -> dizzy

Question 10

What can we do to maintain VR immediately after exercise? Why?

Answer 10

Active cool down.