Blood Vessels Structure and Function (Part C)

These flashcards cover key concepts from the cardiovascular system, focusing on blood vessel functions, regulation of blood flow, and capillary exchange mechanisms.

Tissue perfusion

Blood flow through body tissues; involves delivery of O₂ and nutrients, and removal of wastes.

Extrinsic control

Blood flow regulation by the sympathetic nervous system and hormones affecting arteriolar smooth muscle.

Intrinsic control

Local blood flow regulation adjusting to specific tissue requirements through autoregulation.

Autoregulation

Local control of blood flow that allows arterioles to modify their diameter based on tissue needs.

Myogenic controls

Responses of vascular smooth muscle to changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) to keep perfusion constant.

Reactive hyperemia

Increased blood flow to an area due to intrinsic factors.

Metabolic controls

Changes in tissue metabolic activities that result in the dilation or constriction of blood vessels.

Nitric oxide (NO)

A powerful vasodilator released by endothelial cells in response to changes in local chemicals.

Endothelins

Potent vasoconstrictors released from the endothelium.

Active hyperemia

Increased blood flow during muscle activity directly proportional to metabolic activity.

Blood flow velocity

Speed of blood flow which is fastest in the aorta, slowest in capillaries, and then increases in veins.

Capillary exchange

Diffusion of molecules between blood and interstitial fluid using different transport routes.

Fenestrations

Pores in the endothelial cells that facilitate the passage of water-soluble substances.

Pinocytotic vesicles

Cellular structures that transport larger molecules, such as proteins, via active transport.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels often occurring in response to inadequate blood flow.