4)Cardiovascular Histology - Wall Structure and Function

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What is the outermost layer of the heart wall called?

Endocardium

Epicardium (correct)

Myocardium

Pericardium

What is the function of the intercalated disks in cardiac muscle cells?

To allow for contraction and relaxation

To connect and facilitate communication between cells (correct)

To regulate the flow of blood through the heart

To provide structure and support

Which layer of the heart wall is the thickest?

Pericardium

Endocardium

Myocardium (correct)

Epicardium

What is the main function of the heart?

To act as a muscular pump Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood to the heart. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the lymph vessels in the cardiovascular system?

To collect excess intercellular fluid and empty it into the lymph sacs Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter range of muscular arteries?

2 - 10 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of muscular arteries is the most prominent?

Membrana elastica interna Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of arterioles?

Regulate blood flow and pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of arterioles is typically composed of one or two layers of smooth muscle cells?

Tunica media Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total blood volume is typically found in the veins at any given time?

70% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of veins in the circulatory system?

Provide capacitance for the circulatory system Signup and view all the answers

What is the outermost layer of the vessel called?

Tunica adventitia Signup and view all the answers

What type of connective tissue is found in the tunica adventitia?

Loose connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tunica adventitia?

Collagen and elastic fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are responsible for producing the ECM in the tunica adventitia?

Fibroblasts Signup and view all the answers

What structures are found in the tunica adventitia of larger vessels?

Vasa vasorum, nerve fibers, and lymph vessels Signup and view all the answers

How does the thickness of the tunica adventitia compare between arteries and veins?

The tunica adventitia is thicker in veins Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of intercalated discs?

To facilitate electrical impulses between cardiac myocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Purkinje fibers is correct?

They are small, modified muscle cells with fewer myofibrils Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the exchange of materials between the blood and cardiac muscle cells?

Endocardium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the vascular system in the heart?

To supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle and remove waste products Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cardiac myocytes is incorrect?

They have multiple nuclei Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the endocardium is responsible for the exchange of materials between the blood and cardiac muscle cells?

Subendocardium Signup and view all the answers

What are the three layers (tunics) that make up blood vessels?

Tunica intima, Tunica media, Tunica adventitia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the endothelium in blood vessels?

Provide a smooth surface for blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Which type of muscle is found in the tunica media layer of blood vessels?

Smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the elastic laminas found between the smooth muscle cells in the tunica media?

To facilitate the diffusion of gases Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the tunica externa (adventitia) in blood vessels?

It is mostly composed of loose connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the blood vessel wall is in direct contact with the flowing blood?

Tunica intima Signup and view all the answers