PHYSIOLOGY
CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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capillaries have higher cross-sectional area
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aorta has a higher cross-sectional area
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Either A or B
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None of the above
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Detailed explanation-1: -While the diameter of each individual arteriole and capillary is far narrower than the diameter of the aorta, the rate is actually slower due to the overall diameter of all the combined capillaries being far greater than the diameter of the individual aorta.
Detailed explanation-2: -The specific type of blood vessel which has the greatest cross-section is required for specific functions. The capillaries have the highest total cross-sectional area as in the region exchange of molecules takes place between the body cells and blood.
Detailed explanation-3: -The rate, or velocity, of blood flow varies inversely with the total cross-sectional area of the blood vessels. As the total cross-sectional area of the vessels increases, the velocity of flow decreases. Blood flow is slowest in the capillaries, which allows time for exchange of gases and nutrients.