Speed of Blood in Arteriole and Capillaries

In summary, the speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries is significantly slower compared to larger blood vessels like arteries and veins, with a flow rate of around 0.5 mm per second in arterioles and 0.1 mm per second in capillaries. This is due to the smaller diameter of these vessels, which creates more resistance to blood flow. However, this slower speed allows for more efficient nutrient and oxygen delivery to surrounding tissues. The speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries can change in response to factors such as physical activity and hormones, and it can be measured using laser Doppler flowmetry.
  • #1
dphoos
6
0
(a) An arteriole has a diameter of 0.029 mm and carries blood at the rate of 6.2 10-6 cm^3/s.
What is the speed of the blood in the arteriole?

(b) Suppose the arteriole branches into 340 capillaries, each with a diameter of 4.0 10-6 m. What is the blood speed in the capillaries? (The low speed in capillaries promotes the diffusion of materials to and from the blood.)
 
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  • #2
What, exactly, have you tried so far?
 
  • #3
a) What is the cross-section area of the arteriole?


b) What is the total cross-section area of the capillaries?
 

1. What is the speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries?

The speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries is significantly slower compared to larger blood vessels like arteries and veins. In arterioles, the blood flow rate is around 0.5 mm per second, while in capillaries, it can be as slow as 0.1 mm per second.

2. Why is the speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries slower?

The slower speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries is due to the smaller diameter of these blood vessels. The narrowness of the vessels creates more resistance to blood flow, resulting in a slower speed.

3. How does the speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries affect nutrient and oxygen delivery?

The slow speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries allows for more time for nutrient and oxygen exchange between the blood and surrounding tissues. This ensures efficient delivery of these essential substances to cells and tissues.

4. Can the speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries change?

Yes, the speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries can change in response to various factors such as physical activity, hormones, and body temperature. For example, during exercise, the body may increase blood flow to certain areas, resulting in a faster speed of blood in these vessels.

5. How is the speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries measured?

The speed of blood in arterioles and capillaries can be measured using a technique called laser Doppler flowmetry. This method uses a laser beam to measure the rate at which red blood cells are moving through a specific area, providing an estimate of blood flow speed in these vessels.

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