Organs controlling blood flow

Question 1

What is the lowest level of blood flow regulation?

Answer 1

Intrinsic autoregulation

eg myogenic response in kidneys. Increased flow causes ion channel opening and muscle contraction to limit flow

Question 2

What is the middle level of blood flow regulation?

Answer 2

1) metabolites - respiratory products cause vasodilation.

Reactive hyperaemia - ischeamia causes a build of metabolites which cause vaso dilation

2) Autocoids - Released in damage to cause vasodilation
3) NO - constantly released to open vessels down stream

Question 3

What is the highest level of blood flow regulation?

Answer 3

1) Hormones eg adrenaline

Aldosterone pathway

2) Nerves - SNS causes increased flow to brain and muscles

PNS - causes increased flow to penis