How does the body compensate for a pulmonary embolus that occludes a branch of the pulmonary artery?
A) Increased bronchial arterial flow to the area
B) Increased cardiac output
C) Pulmonary arteriole and metarteriole vasodilation
D) Release of prostaglandins to fight inflammation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bronchial and pulmonary circulations share an important compensatory relationship.Decreased pulmonary arterial blood pressure tends to cause an increase in bronchial artery blood flow to the affected area. This minimizes the danger of pulmonary infarction, as sometimes occurs when a blood clot (pulmonary embolus) enters the lung.

How Does the Body Compensate for a Pulmonary Embolus That