18 Questions
What is the primary function of the tunica intima in blood vessels?
To facilitate blood flow through a smooth, endothelial lining
Which of the following types of arteries is characterized by the presence of elastic fibers, allowing for stretch and recoil with each heartbeat?
Large elastic arteries
What is the main component of the internal elastic lamina in the tunica intima?
Elastic fibers
What is the term for the tiny blood vessels found in the tunica adventitia, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the blood vessel wall?
Vasa vasorum
Which layer of the blood vessel wall is composed of circularly arranged smooth muscle cells, elastic fibers, and fine collagenous and reticular fibers?
Tunica media
What is the primary function of the vascular tissue in the body?
To facilitate the exchange of oxygen and nutrients with cells
What is the primary function of blood capillaries in the body?
To facilitate exchange of materials between blood and tissue
What is the typical diameter of blood capillaries?
8-10 μm
What type of capillaries is found in muscle tissue, exocrine glands, and nervous tissue?
Continuous capillaries
What is the structure that forms the wall of blood capillaries?
A single layer of endothelial cells
What is the characteristic of fenestrated capillaries?
They have fenestrae in the endothelial cells
What type of blood vessels are blood sinusoids?
Dilated irregular blood spaces
What is the primary function of the thick walls of arteries?
To maintain diastolic pressure
Which tunica layer of an artery is rich in elastic fibers?
Tunica media
What differentiates a medium-sized artery from a medium-sized vein?
The thickness of the wall
What is the primary component of the ground substance in the tunica media?
Chondroitin sulfate
Which layer of an artery contains vasa vasorum, lymphatics, and nerves?
Tunica adventitia
What is the function of elastic fibers in arteries?
To provide structural support
Learn about the vascular system, its components, and the structure of blood vessels. Understand the heart, arteries, veins, and connecting vessels. Test your knowledge of blood circulation!
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