Vessels & Blood Pressure: CHAPTER 20
I. Vessel Structure
- Define the following and explain the function of each: vasa vasorum, lumen, vasomotion, and anastomoses.
- Distinguish between the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa of a blood vessel. Consider location, tissue type, and function.
- Describe the structural and functional differences between arteries (elastic and muscular), capillaries, and veins.
- How do the differences in the tunica media reflect the different functions of these vessels?
- Compare and contrast the different types of capillaries.
- What types of materials will pass through the wall of each type of capillary?
- In what organs do you usually find sinusoids, and why?
- Describe the function of precapillary sphincters. Why is this function important?
II. Vascular Anatomy
- Describe the function of the hepatic portal system and differentiate it from the function of the hepatic veins.
- Where is the circle of Willis located and why is this structure advantageous?
- Identify the functions of the following structures in fetal circulation: umbilical arteries, umbilical veins, ductus arteriosus, ductus venous, and foramen ovale.
- Identify the major differences between adult and fetal circulation and explain why fetal circulation has these modifications.
III. Blood Pressure (BP)
A. Systemic blood pressure
- Define blood flow, blood pressure, and resistance. List and explain three factors that contribute to resistance in a blood vessel.
- Explain how arterial BP, capillary BP, and venous BP differ, and why.
- Explain how cardiac output, blood volume, and vessel diameter relate to blood pressure.
- Define the term shock and identify its signs. Describe the possible causes of shock.
B. Arterial BP
- Distinguish between systolic and diastolic BP. Relate these changes in blood pressure to the cardiac cycle.
- Given blood pressure, identify the systolic and diastolic values.
- Define: mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. Calculate mean arterial pressure, if given systolic and diastolic pressures.
- Explain where and how to take pulse and blood pressure readings. State average healthy blood pressure and pulse values.
- Distinguish between hypotension and hypertension. What factors contribute to hypertension?
C. Venous Pressure
- Describe the anatomy and function of venous valves. What are varicose veins?
- Explain how skeletal muscle contraction contributes to venous return.
- Explain how respiration contributes to venous return.
D. Capillary Pressures
- Review osmosis and osmotic pressure.
- What molecules are primarily responsible for the colloid osmotic pressure of blood?
- Explain how capillary exchange (filtration and reabsorption) occurs. Include the role of hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressure, in both capillary and interstitial fluid.
- Explain what net filtration pressure is and calculate it from given hydrostatic and osmotic pressures.
- Explain how the difference in net filtration pressure across a capillary bed facilitates capillary exchange.
- Define edema and relate it to the processes discussed above. List possible causes of edema.
E. Regulation of blood pressure and blood flow
- Explain the significance of tissue perfusion.
- Explain how blood flow and blood pressure are controlled locally. List some of the molecules that induce localized vasodilation or vasoconstriction
- Explain how blood flow and blood pressure are controlled neurologically:
- Explain the functions of the cardiac and vasomotor centers of the medulla oblongata.
- Define vasomotor tone and explain the role of the sympathetic nervous system.
- Describe baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes that control blood pressure, including where these receptors are located.
- Describe the effect of hypoxia, acidity, and hypercapnia on the cardiovascular centers.
- Explain how blood flow and blood pressure are controlled hormonally:
- Explain the effects of norepinephrine, epinephrine, ADH, Angiotensin II, and ANP on blood pressure.
- Explain the Renin-Angiotensin pathway, and the four ways angiotensin II affects blood pressure.
Lab 4: Blood Vessels & Blood Pressure
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- Describe the structural differences between arteries and veins.
- Distinguish between a vein and an artery under the microscope.
- Distinguish between the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa.
- Describe how to take a pulse measurement and why this is clinically useful.
- Identify major pulse points.
- How does exercise affect pulse rate?
- Describe how to take blood pressure. What are the sounds of Korotkoff?
- Distinguish between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- State a typical normal value for blood pressure, and identify a given pressure reading as hypertension, hypotension, or normal.
- Calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP) for given values of systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
- Describe the structural differences between arteries and veins.