The arterial pressure of an isolated perfused muscle is increased from 100 to 140 mm Hg. Blood flow to the muscle is 5 ml/min/100 g at 100 mm Hg and 5.1 ml/min/100 g at 140 mm Hg. The maintenance of blood flow despite the large elevation in arterial pressure is due to an increase in which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maintenance of nearly constant blood flow despite an increase in arterial pressure is due to an increase in arteriolar resistance, a phenomenon known as autoregulation. This mechanism ensures that tissues receive a constant blood supply despite changes in arterial pressure.

The Arterial Pressure of an Isolated Perfused Muscle Is Increased