The skin is richly supplied with arteriovenous anastomoses in which blood flows directly between an artery and a vein, bypassing the capillary circulation. What is the primary significance of these structures?
A) They regulate body temperature.
B) They process sensory information.
C) They control the formation of "goose bumps"
D) They combat skin infections.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anastomoses are important for temperature regulation. They can open up, letting blood flow through the skin vessels when there is a need to dissipate body heat, or close off, conserving body heat if the environmental temperature is cold. Although goose bumps are a reaction to cold, they are actually caused by the contraction of the arrector pili muscles.

The Skin Is Richly Supplied with Arteriovenous Anastomoses in Which