10 Questions
What is the primary function of the tunica media in blood vessels?
To contain elastic fibers that aid in vessel expansion and contraction
What is the name of the smallest branches of arteries?
Arterioles
Which blood vessel has the thickest walls?
Arteries
What is the primary function of the tunica intima?
To keep blood flowing smoothly and prevent blood clots
What is the name of the layer that contains nerves and tiny vessels?
Tunica adventitia
What is the primary function of capillaries?
To exchange gases, nutrients, waste products, and other substances
What type of blood does the pulmonary artery carry?
Unoxygenated blood
What is the name of the smallest branches of veins?
Venules
What is the primary function of veins?
To carry deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart
What is the outer layer of blood vessels also known as?
Tunica externa
Study Notes
Blood Vessels
- Blood vessels are responsible for delivering oxygen to vital organs and tissues and removing waste products.
- There are three main types of blood vessels: veins, arteries, and capillaries.
Structure of Blood Vessels
- Blood vessels have three layers of tissue:
- Tunica intima: inner layer that regulates blood pressure, prevents blood clots, and keeps toxins out of the blood.
- Tunica Media: middle layer that contains elastic fibers to keep blood flowing in one direction and helps vessels expand and contract.
- Tunica Adventitia (or Tunica Externa): outer layer that delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells, removes waste, and provides structure and support.
Arteries
- Lead away from the heart.
- Carry oxygenated blood to the body, except for the pulmonary artery which carries unoxygenated blood to the lungs.
- Have thicker walls than veins to resist strong blood pressure.
Veins
- Carry blood towards the heart.
- Contain valves to prevent backflow due to gravity.
- Carry deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart and oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
- Have thinner walls than arteries.
Capillaries
- Smallest blood vessels that connect arterioles to venules.
- One cell thick.
- Site of exchange for gases, nutrients, waste products, and other substances.
- Blood in the capillary bed is a mixture of arterial and venous blood.
Learn about the structure and functions of blood vessels, including veins, arteries, and capillaries, and their role in delivering oxygen and removing waste products.
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