Vascular tree

Question 1

Describe what is meant by the vascular tree

Answer 1

A complex, highly ramified (branched structure).

It is a closed system of vessels, including arteries, arterioles, capillaries, veins and venues

Question 2

What is meant by anastomoses, give an example

Answer 2

How arteries communicate with one another

e.g. mesenteric vessels in the GI tract

Question 3

WHta is collateral circulation?

Answer 3

Alternate circulation around a blocked artery/vein via another path, such as nearby minor vessels.

Question 4

define a peripheral pulse

Answer 4

A series of arterial pressure waves caused by left ventricular systole which can be palpated in the limbs

Question 5

List and describe the location of peripheral pulses in upper limbs

Answer 5

Carotid: anterior border of sternocleidomastoid, above hyoid bone and lateral to thyroid cartilage.
Axillary: inferior to lateral wall of axilla
Brachial: inside of the upper arm near the elbow
Radial: lateral aspect of wrist in anatomical snuff box
Ulnar: medial aspect of wrist

Question 6

List and describe the location of peripheral pulses in lower limbs

Answer 6

Femoral: midpoint between anterior iliac spine and pubic symphysis
Popliteal: above the knee, in the popliteal fossa
Posterior tibial: medial side of angle, 2 cm inferior and posterior to medial malleolus
Dorsalis Pedis: top of the foot, lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon

Question 7

what are the non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors of atherosclerosis ?

Answer 7

Non-modifable:
male
family history
age

Modifiable:
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity 
Smoking
Hypertension
Pro-thrombotic tendencies

Question 8

List 4 changes that occur to vessels due to atherosclerosis, and their clinical consequences

Answer 8

Weakening of artery wall: aneurysm, rupture
Narrowing of lumen: ischaemia, turbulence
Thrombosis: embolism, narrowing, ischeamia
Plaque rupture: thromboembolism

Question 9

Define an aneurysm

Answer 9

Localised dilation of artery over 50% its normal diameter

Question 10

List the 2 clinical features of aneurysm

Answer 10

Damage and loss of tunica intima

Reduction in elastin and collagen content of tunica media

Question 11

What are the Consequences of aneurysmal disease of abdominal aorta?

Answer 11

High risk surgery

association with other peripheral artery aneurysms

Question 12

Define embolism

Answer 12

Blockage of a blood vessel by a solid, liquid or gas at a site distant from its origin

Question 13

What can embolisation of carotid artery lead to?

Answer 13

Cerebral ischaemia

Which can result in transient ischaemic attack or thromboembolic stroke