To identify the variables influencing vascular resistance, a researcher is performing an experiment. Animals used in experiments are sedated, intubated, and connected to a ventilator under control. Each animal has a catheter inserted into a tiny artery in a different organ. The catheter is attached to an oximeter and a manometer, which both record oxygen saturation and pressure over time. At regular intervals, arteriolar resistance is determined from the manometer data and the fraction of inspired oxygen is gradually altered. The results shown below were most likely obtained from which of the following organs?

Question

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Eductional Objective: A vasoconstrictive reaction to tissue hypoxia is peculiar to the pulmonary vascular bed. In order to reduce ventilation-perfusion mismatch and improve total gas exchange, such hypoxic vasoconstriction occurs in the small muscular pulmonary arteries to reroute blood flow away from poorly ventilated lung regions and toward well-ventilated lung sections.

To Identify the Variables Influencing Vascular Resistance, a Researcher Is