Structure and Function of Arteries

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What prevents blood from flowing back from the ventricles into the atria?

Semilunar valves

Pulmonary artery

Atrioventricular valves (correct)

Pulmonary vein

Why are mammals described as having a 'double circulatory system'?

Blood flows from the lungs to the body directly

Blood flows from the arteries to the ventricles

Blood flows through the heart only once in each circulation

Blood flows through the heart twice in each circulation (correct)

Which vessel carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation?

Pulmonary artery (correct)

Pulmonary vein

Vena cava

Aorta

During which stage of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract and blood flows out of them into the ventricles?

Atrial systole Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of semilunar valves in the heart?

Prevent backflow of blood from arteries into ventricles Signup and view all the answers

Which vessel is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart?

Pulmonary vein Signup and view all the answers

Which blood vessels carry oxygenated blood away from the heart?

Arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of valves in blood vessels?

Preventing backflow of blood Signup and view all the answers

Why is the lumen of arteries relatively small?

To withstand high pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blood vessel has walls that are one cell thick?

Capillaries Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between arteries and veins in terms of pressure?

Veins have low pressure, arteries have high pressure Signup and view all the answers

Why are capillaries highly branched with a large surface area?

To supply cells with substances quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial event that triggers the formation of blood clots?

Platelets changing shape and clumping together Signup and view all the answers

Which factor causes prothrombin to change to thrombin in the blood clotting process?

Clotting factors like thromboplastin Signup and view all the answers

What can a build-up of fibrous plaque in an artery lead to?

Narrowing of the artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of blood clots in the body?

To minimize blood loss from damaged vessels Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by blood clots forming inside blood vessels?

Thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What change do platelets undergo when they come into contact with a damaged blood vessel wall?

They change shape and clump together Signup and view all the answers