Redistribution of Blood

Question 1

What is the vascular shunt mechanism

Answer 1

During exercise the skeletal muscles need more oxygen so blood is redistributed there to meet the increase demand for respiration

Question 2

Where does the blood go during vascular shunt

Answer 2

Brain
Skin
Heart
Muscles

Question 3

Why is blood redistributed to the skin during exercise

Answer 3

More blood to the skin to cool body down as radiation occurs because heat radiates away from the body (cheeks go red)

Question 4

Why is blood redistributed to the heart during exercise

Answer 4

Heart- heart is a working muscle so if its working harder it needs more oxygen to beat faster

Question 5

Why is there a constant supply of blood to the brain during vascular shunting

Answer 5

Brain- oxygenated blood supply stays the same as the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen exercise or rest to function properly

Question 6

What is the vascular shunt process (9 steps)

Answer 6

Exercise
Increase in CO2
Detected by chemoreceptors
Medulla
Vasomotor Centre
Sympathetic nervous system
Precapillary sphincters
Vasodilation- essential organs
Vasoconstriction- non essential organs

Question 7

Definition of Vasoconstriction

Answer 7

Gets narrower to restrict blood flow to the non essential organs during exercise

Question 8

Definition of Vasodilation

Answer 8

Gets wider to increase the amount of blood flow to the working muscles and essential organs during exercise