Chapter 10. Blood Vessels
10.0 Introduction
Chapter Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
- describe how the anatomical structure of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins relate to their function;
- list the major factors affecting blood flow, blood pressure, and resistance;
- describe how blood flow, blood pressure, and resistance interrelate;
- accurately describe the overall process of capillary exchange;
- discuss how neural and endocrine mechanisms maintain homeostasis within blood vessels; and
- discuss the physiological basis of major cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their consequences.
In this chapter, you will learn about the vascular aspects of the cardiovascular system: the vessels that transport blood throughout the body and provide the physical sites where gases, nutrients, and other substances are exchanged with body cells. When vessel functioning is reduced, blood-borne substances do not circulate effectively throughout the body. As a result, tissue injury occurs, metabolism is impaired, and the functions of every bodily system are threatened.
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