Cardiovascular Fluid Dynamics

These flashcards cover key concepts of cardiovascular fluid dynamics, focusing on turbulent flow, the Bernoulli equation, Poiseuille's law, and types of flow.

What does the Reynolds number predict?

The onset of turbulent flow.

How is the Reynolds number calculated?

Re = flow speed x tube radius x fluid density/fluid viscosity.

What indicates the development of turbulent flow?

A Reynolds number greater than 2000.

What is Bernoulli's principle?

An increase in kinetic energy occurs with a decrease in pressure at the site of an obstruction to flow.

What relationship does the Bernoulli equation demonstrate?

Velocity and pressure are inversely related.

According to Poiseuille's Law, what factors affect flow volume (Q)?

Flow volume varies directly with the pressure gradient and the fourth power of the radius, and inversely with the length of the tube and viscosity of the fluid.

What does an increase in fluid viscosity and/or tube length do to resistance?

It increases resistance and decreases flow volume.

What is the significance of the tube's diameter in Poiseuille's law?

The diameter (radius) is raised to the fourth power, thus it greatly influences flow volume.

What is a major clinical consideration when using the simplified Bernoulli equation?

Ignoring proximal velocity (V1), flow acceleration, and viscous friction may lead to pressure gradient overestimation.

What types of flow are identified in fluid dynamics?

Laminar flow, turbulent flow, parabolic flow, disturbed flow, and inlet flow.