TOPIC 2: Blood Vessels & Atherosclerosis

What is the role of the arteries?

Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body

What is the role of the capillaries?

Smallest blood vessels which are responsible for exchanging substances between the blood and the cells by diffusion.

What is the role of the veins?

Carry deoxygenated blood from the body into the heart.

What is the role of the PULMONARY arteries? (exception to rule)

Carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation

What is the role of the PULMONARY veins? (exception to rule)

Carry oxygenated blood to the heart from the lungs

State the structure and function of the artery.

- Thick collagen wall= Thick to provide strength to the artery as well as to withstand high blood pressure.

- Smooth muscle= Stretches and recoils to maintain high blood pressure.

-Elastic tissue=Contracts to withstand the high blood pressure. Smooth lining reduces friction.

-Narrow lumen=Narrow to maintain high blood pressure.

State the structure and function of the vein.

-Low blood pressure

-Valves= to prevent back flow of blood

-Wide lumen= to reduce blood pressure

-Thin smooth muscle & elastic layer= veins do not need to stretch and recoil

State the structure and function of capillary.

-Low blood pressure

-Narrow lumen

-Wall consists of a single layer of epithelial cells with tiny pores in between= to allow diffusion of substances.

What is atherosclerosis?

A form of cardiovascular disease. It occurs when fatty deposits up in the arteries.

What lifestyle factors can lead to atherosclerosis?

• High cholesterol

• Obesity

• High fat diet

• Plaques

Formula for Body Mass Index (BMI)?

weight (kg)
height²(m)

What are the ways to calculate whether someone is obese?

• Calculate BMI

• Calculate waist to hip ratio

What is meant by cardiovascular disease?

Conditions affecting the heart and blood.

What is the function of a lipoprotein?

Biological molecules that transport cholesterol around the body.

What are the two types of lipoproteins?

• HDLs (high density lipoproteins): transport cholesterol to the liver where it is broken down. GOOD

• LDLs (low density lipoproteins): transport cholesterol to cells BAD

Which protein increases cholesterol in the blood?

LDLs increase blood cholesterol= transports cholesterol to cells= if cells are overloaded, LDLs remain in the blood

What is the impact of too much cholesterol in the blood?

Athrosclerosis