Blood vessels & Problems

Types of blood vessels Arteries – vessels that carry blood AWAY from the heart Very thick and muscular Blood in arteries are under high pressure from being pumped by the heart

All arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to cells/tissues EXCEPT the pulmonary artery Largest artery is aorta Aorta is split up into primary arteries Arteries end at the capillaries

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood TO the heart Thin walled vessels, not very muscular Less blood pressure on veins Have valves to prevent back flow of blood Veins start at the capillaries All veins carry deoxygenated blood EXCEPT pulmonary veins

Artery vs. Vein

Capillaries All capillaries in the body laid end to end would equal about 60,000 miles Increased surface area!! Increased blood flow Site of gas & nutrient exchange between blood vessels and cells

Capillary walls are only 1 cell thick Allows diffusion of O2, CO2, & nutrients

Hypertension High blood pressure, can cause heart disease 2 numbers are given when measuring BP (blood pressure): Example 112/60 Systolic is the larger number on top When ventricle is contracted/pumping Should be about 100 + your age Diastolic is the smaller number on the bottom This is when ventricles are relaxed Above 90 is cause for concern

BP is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries Normal BP for an adult is 120/80 Causes include poor diet, genetics, not exercising Treatments include changing diet, exercising, losing weight, meds for lowering BP