Pressure and Flow in Arteries and Veins Flashcards
What Is ‘normal’ arterial pressure?
120/80 mmHg
What factors will affect the pressure wave?
Stroke volume, velocity of ejection, elasticity of the arteries and total peripheral resistance
Which vessels have the lowest pressure?
Veins and Venules
What is the systemic filling pressure?
The pressure created by the ventricles and transmitted through the vascular tree to the veins
In which vessels is the velocity the highest?
Aorta and Vena Cava
In which vessels is the velocity the lowest?
The capillaries
How does the pressure in the pulmonary circulation compare to that of the systemic circulation?
Pulmonary circulation is about 1/5 of systemic
How does gravity affect pressure and flow in veins?
It does not affect the driving pressure between the arteries and veins but does cause venous distension in the legs and venous collapse in the neck
What can the height of jugular collapse be used to measure?
Central venous pressure
How does the skeletal muscle pump affect blood flow?
Constriction of the skeletal muscle squeezes the veins and increases the flow of blood back to the heart
How does the respiratory pump affect blood flow?
Changes in pressure on inhalation draws blood back to the heart
What is venomotor?
Smooth muscle surrounding the veins
How can venomotor effect blood flow?
It can constrict and mobilise the capacitance
