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Arterioles
The smallest arteries that lead into capillary beds; they play a key role in regulating blood flow and pressure through vasoconstriction and vasodilation, linking arteries and capillaries.
Precapillary sphincter
A band of smooth muscle located at the junction where arterioles meet capillaries, important in regulating blood flow into capillary beds, thus influencing nutrient and gas exchange.
Tunica intima
The innermost layer of a blood vessel, made up of endothelial cells. It provides a smooth surface for blood flow.
Endothelium
A thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels, part of the tunica intima, involved in the regulation of blood flow and pressure.
Tunica media
The middle layer of a blood vessel, primarily composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibers, responsible for maintaining blood pressure and controlling the diameter of the vessel.
Vasomotion
The process of constriction and dilation of blood vessels, which affects blood flow and pressure.
Tunica externa
The outer layer of a blood vessel, made of connective tissue; it provides structural support and elasticity.
Conducting (elastic) arteries
Large arteries that are capable of stretching and allowing for the storage of blood during systole, e.g., the aorta and pulmonary arteries.
Distributing (muscular) arteries
Medium-sized arteries that distribute blood to specific body regions, primarily composed of smooth muscle.
Arterioles
Small blood vessels that lead into capillary beds; they regulate blood flow through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
Precapillary sphincter
A band of smooth muscle that regulates blood flow into capillaries.
Carotid sinuses
Dilation at the base of the internal carotid artery, containing baroreceptors that help regulate blood pressure.
Chemoreceptors
Sensory receptors that detect changes in blood chemistry, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.
Capillaries
The smallest blood vessels where the exchange of nutrients, waste, and gases occurs between blood and tissues.
Fenestrations
Small pores in the endothelial cells of capillaries that allow for increased permeability for certain substances.
Capillary beds
Networks of capillaries that facilitate exchange of materials between blood and tissues.
Venules
Small blood vessels that collect blood from capillaries and transport it to veins.
Veins
Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, equipped with valves to prevent backflow.
Blood pressure
The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, crucial for blood flow.
Systolic pressure
The maximum pressure in the arteries during contraction of the heart.
Diastolic pressure
The minimum pressure in the arteries during the relaxation phase of the heart cycle.
Blood viscosity
A measure of the thickness and stickiness of blood, influencing blood flow and pressure.
Vasoconstriction
The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.
Vasodilation
The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
Vasomotor center
A brain region that regulates the diameter of blood vessels, affecting blood pressure.
Chemoreflex
An automatic response to changes in blood chemistry, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide levels, to restore homeostasis.
Medullary ischemic reflex
A reflex that triggers increased heart rate and blood pressure in response to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Angiotensin II
A hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and stimulating aldosterone release.
Aldosterone
A hormone that promotes sodium and water retention by the kidneys, increasing blood volume and pressure.
Natriuretic peptides
Hormones that lower blood pressure by promoting vasodilation and sodium excretion.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
A hormone that promotes water retention in the kidneys, helping to increase blood pressure.
Epinephrine
A hormone released by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate and cardiac output, and causes vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure.
Vasomotor tone
The degree of constriction of blood vessels, regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
Capillary exchange
The process by which nutrients, gases, and waste products are exchanged between blood and tissues in the capillaries.
Diffusion
The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, critical in capillary exchange.
Hydrostatic pressure
The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to the force of gravity; plays a role in fluid movement across capillary walls.
Osmotic pressure
The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane, important in maintaining fluid balance.
Venous pooling
The accumulation of blood in the veins, often due to gravity, leading to reduced return to the heart and potential hypotension.
