PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During exercise, the cardiovascular system redistributes the blood so that more of it goes to the working muscles and less of it goes to other body organs such as the digestive system. This redirection of blood flow is caused by a mechanism (or process) called the vascular shunt mechanism.

Detailed explanation-2: -Skeletal muscle blood flow increases dramatically, while blood flow to other tissues, especially the abdominal viscera and kidneys, is reduced. During heavy exercise, the vast increase in cardiac output is directed almost exclusively to contracting skeletal and cardiac muscles.

Detailed explanation-3: -Blood flow in skeletal muscle is mainly regulated via changes in flow resistance in the intramuscular arterioles. The latter is primarily dependent on the arteriolar radius which is controlled by the contractile state (tone) of the vascular smooth muscle cells.

Detailed explanation-4: -Summary. To conclude, the vascular shunt mechanism is the redistribution of blood during or after exercise. Coaches and athletes need to be aware of the benefits and how a warm up and cool down can improve performance and recovery.