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Questions and Answers
Which layer of blood vessels is responsible for the regulation of blood vessel diameter?
Which layer of blood vessels is responsible for the regulation of blood vessel diameter?
What characterizes elastic arteries compared to other types of arteries?
What characterizes elastic arteries compared to other types of arteries?
What is the primary function of arteries in the cardiovascular system?
What is the primary function of arteries in the cardiovascular system?
Which statement best describes arterioles in the context of blood vessels?
Which statement best describes arterioles in the context of blood vessels?
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Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD)?
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD)?
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What is the primary function of elastic arteries?
What is the primary function of elastic arteries?
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What characterizes muscular arteries compared to elastic arteries?
What characterizes muscular arteries compared to elastic arteries?
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Arterioles are referred to as resistance vessels because they:
Arterioles are referred to as resistance vessels because they:
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Intrinsic control of blood flow in arterioles can be influenced by:
Intrinsic control of blood flow in arterioles can be influenced by:
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Which of the following statements about vasodilation in arterioles is true?
Which of the following statements about vasodilation in arterioles is true?
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Study Notes
Learning Objectives
- Identify major arteries in the body.
- Describe structure and function of blood vessels in the cardiovascular system (CVS).
- Understand microscopic structure of blood vessels.
- Explain mechanisms controlling blood vessel diameter.
- Recognize risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) and their relation to atherosclerosis.
- Describe progression steps of atherosclerosis.
Overview of Blood Vessels
- Heart propels blood at high pressure through arteries, then low pressure in veins.
- Types of blood vessels include:
- Arteries: Includes large arteries, small arteries, arterioles.
- Capillaries: Site for substance exchange.
- Veins: Comprised of venules, small veins, and large veins.
Blood Vessel Structure
- Comprised of three layers known as tunics:
- Tunica intima: innermost layer.
- Tunica media: middle muscle layer, responsible for vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
- Tunica externa: outermost layer.
Types of Arteries
- Arteries serve as pressure reservoirs with three main types:
- Elastic arteries:
- Large and thick-walled, e.g., aorta and femoral artery.
- Composed of elastin, allowing distension and recoil as blood moves.
- Muscular arteries:
- Medium size (1 cm - 0.3 mm), involved in blood distribution.
- Control via extrinsic mechanisms; less elastic, more muscular.
- Arterioles:
- Smallest arteries (diameter 0.3 mm - 10 µm).
- Regulate blood flow to capillary beds through hormonal, neural, and local influences.
- Elastic arteries:
Mechanisms Controlling Blood Flow
- Intrinsic control: adjusts blood flow independently of nerves/hormones through myogenic and metabolic autoregulation.
- Extrinsic control: redirects blood flow efficiently to maintain blood pressure and direct it to vital areas via neural and hormonal signals.
Atherosclerosis
- Common form of arteriosclerosis characterized by plaque formation in tunica intima.
- Risk factors include:
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol)
- Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Chronic stress
- Complications can lead to stroke, heart attack, and chronic conditions affecting various arteries.
Coronary Artery Disease Treatment
- Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to widen obstructed coronary arteries using a balloon.
CVD Prevalence & Mortality
- Higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among younger indigenous populations.
- CVD is a leading cause of death, particularly among indigenous males.
Key Terms
- Atheroma: raised lesion formed in the tunica intima.
- Vasoconstriction: narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.
- Vasodilation: widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.
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