Match each vascular structure to its function or characteristic. Terms may apply to more than one question. Some terms may not be used.
a.arteries
i.sinusoids
b.tunica externa
j.tunica media
c.capillaries
k.capacitance vessels
d.tunica intima
l.distributing arteries
e.lumen
m.conducting arteries
f.resistance vessels
n.metarterioles
g.medium-sized veins
o.large veins
h.venules
p.arterioles
-Which blood vessel has the most significant role in controlling the amount of blood reaching the tissues?
A) Aorta
B) Arteriole
C) Venule
D) Distributing artery

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arterioles are small branches of arteries that regulate blood flow to capillaries in the tissues. They have the most significant role in controlling the amount of blood reaching the tissues because they can constrict or dilate to adjust the flow rate.
Answer: A, B, D, E, F

- Arteries (A, M, L) have a thick tunica media and are elastic, making them ideal for withstanding and maintaining high blood pressure.
- The tunica externa (B) is the outer layer of blood vessels, providing structural support and anchoring to surrounding tissues.
- Distributing arteries (L) are larger branches that lead to smaller arterioles, ultimately delivering blood to specific parts of the body.
- The lumen (E) is the hollow center of blood vessels where blood flows.
- Resistance vessels (F, P) are small arterioles that offer more resistance to blood flow than larger arteries, regulating blood pressure and fluid volume in the body.
Other options:
- Sinusoids (I) are specialized capillaries found in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that allow for the exchange of larger molecules and cells.
- Capillaries (C) are the smallest blood vessels where nutrient and gas exchange occurs between the blood and tissues.
- Capacitance vessels (K) are veins with a large capacity to store blood, acting as a blood reservoir for the body.
- Tunica intima (D) is the innermost layer of blood vessels, composed of a thin layer of endothelial cells and a basement membrane.
- Medium-sized veins (G) have thinner walls than arteries and contain valves to prevent blood from flowing backward.
- Large veins (O) have the thinnest walls of all blood vessels and rely on the surrounding muscles to help push blood back to the heart.
- Venules (H) are small veins that connect the capillaries to larger veins.

Match Each Vascular Structure to Its Function or Characteristic