Vascular physiology Flashcards
Why is diffusion inadequate for delivering solutes to cells of large organisms?
Diffusive distance too large so substsantial diffusive delay
What is the limit for an organisms size that can be served by diffusion only?
100 microns
What influences diffusion time?
Distance travelled squared is proportional
Describe curve of distance vs diffusion time graph
Flat then exponential beyond 1mm
What is bulk flow?
Movement of medium and the solutes it contains
What does bulk flow distribute?
Substrates, waste products, signals e.g. hormones, heat and pressure
What is the benefit of bulk flow?
Overcomes diffusional limitations and works over long distances
How do you work out time for transport of bulk flow?
Distance travelled/velocity
What is the velocity of bulk flow?
2m/sec
Describe curve for distance vs time required for bulk flow
Linear through origin
What enhances bulk flow?
Reduced resistance, therefore, wide tubes and low fluid viscosity
Why is left side of heart generating 6 times the pressure of right side?
Systemic circulation is 6 times greater in resistance than pulmonary, as the resistance is 6x higher, so to keep same flow, need 6x higher pressure
In a single pump system, what happens as distance from source increases?
Lose energy, mean pressure falls and downstream tissues perfused at lower pressure
Describe the curve for blood velocity
Greatest in arteries, decreases going through arterioles and lowest in capillaries, then increases again in veins
What is blood velocity through blood vessels inversely proportional to?
Cross sectional area of vessel
i.e. capillaries have greatest cross sectional area and lowest blood velosity
Which vessels hold the most blood and why?
Veins, they are the most compliant
Describe the proportion of blood held in different vessels
Vein 70% Systemic Artery <10% Systemic capillaries <5% Lungs 10% (Note 10% in heart)
How does flow remain the same throughout circulation through different vessels?
Decrease in velocity as you branch into capillaries but cross sectional area increases so flow (velocity x cross sectional area) constant through circulation
How is flow calculated?
Change in volume/time (L/min)
Cardiac output is an example of
Flow
Example of conservation of flow
Flow in systemic circulation = flow in pulmonary circulation
i.e. larger volume in systemic circulation but circulation takes longer
What happens if there isnt conservation of flow?
Blood pools in either circuit