Under controlled conditions, flow through a blood vessel is 10 mL/min under a pressure gradient of 100 mm Hg. An increase in which of the following would occur in response to a twofold increase in the diameter of the vessel with a pressure gradient maintained at 100 mm Hg?
A)Vascular resistance
B)Hematocrit
C)Vascular conductance
D)Blood viscosity
E)Plasma oncotic pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vascular conductance is directly proportional to the fourth power of vessel radius. Doubling the radius of the vessel would increase vascular conductance by a factor of 16 (i.e. 2^4), leading to an increase in flow. The other choices are not directly related to changes in vessel diameter.

Under Controlled Conditions, Flow Through a Blood Vessel Is 10