Arterioles and Microcirculation Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to arterioles and microcirculation based on lecture notes.

Arterioles

Small blood vessels located within individual organs, regulating blood flow and resistance.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average arterial pressure in a person's blood vessels during one cardiac cycle.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and decreases blood flow.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure and increases blood flow.

Endothelial Cells

Cells that line the heart and blood vessels, controlling fluid exchange and secreting substances.

Nitric Oxide (NO)

A signaling molecule produced by endothelial cells that causes vasodilation and increases blood flow.

Resistance

The opposition to blood flow in blood vessels, influenced by vessel radius, length, and blood viscosity.

Radius and Flow

Larger diameter arterioles exert less resistance, enhancing blood flow.

Dietary Nitrates

Compounds found in certain foods that can improve vascular function and lower blood pressure.

Platelet Aggregation

The clumping together of platelets in the blood, which can lead to thrombosis.

Smooth Muscle Function

Regulates the diameter of arterioles, contributing to vasoconstriction and vasodilation based on bodily needs.

Cyclic GMP (cGMP)

A molecule that mediates vasodilation effects in smooth muscle cells when activated by nitric oxide.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE)

An enzyme that breaks down cGMP, thus regulating blood vessel relaxation.

Blood Flow Distribution

The manner in which blood flow is allocated to different organs, which varies based on activity and needs.

Atherosclerosis Risk Factors

Factors such as high blood pressure and arterial stiffness that contribute to the development of coronary artery disease.

Exercise and Blood Flow

Physical activity that influences the redistribution of blood flow to various organs, particularly muscles.