Which characteristic is unique to arteries in comparison to veins?
They generally have thinner walls than veins.
They contain valves to prevent backflow.
They carry blood under high pressure.
They conduct blood toward the heart.
The Correct Answer is C
A. They generally have thinner walls than veins: Arteries actually have thicker walls than veins to withstand higher pressure from the heart’s pumping action. Thin walls are a characteristic of veins, which transport blood under lower pressure.
B. They contain valves to prevent backflow: Valves are primarily found in veins, especially in the limbs, to prevent backflow of blood as it returns to the heart against gravity. Arteries generally do not require valves because the pressure from the heart ensures unidirectional flow.
C. They carry blood under high pressure: Arteries are uniquely structured to carry blood under high pressure generated by ventricular contraction. Their thick, elastic walls and smooth muscle allow them to absorb the pulsatile force and maintain blood flow throughout the systemic circulation.
D. They conduct blood toward the heart: This describes veins, not arteries. Arteries carry blood away from the heart.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B","dropdown-group-3":"C","dropdown-group-4":"D"}
Explanation
Answer:
G: Left adrenal vein
I: Left ascending lumbar vein
F: Left inferior phrenic vein
B: Inferior vena cava
A. G (Left adrenal vein): The left adrenal (suprarenal) vein drains venous blood from the left adrenal gland. It is a short vein that empties directly into the left renal vein rather than the inferior vena cava. It is located posterior to the pancreas and near the superior pole of the left kidney, facilitating drainage of adrenal hormones into systemic circulation.
B. I (Left ascending lumbar vein): The left ascending lumbar vein is a paired longitudinal vein that runs along the posterior abdominal wall, lateral to the vertebral bodies. It communicates with the lumbar veins and the azygos/hemiazygos system. It ultimately drains into the left renal vein or directly into the inferior vena cava, providing collateral venous pathways between the lower body and thoracic veins.
C. F (Left inferior phrenic vein): The left inferior phrenic vein drains blood from the inferior surface of the diaphragm. It usually empties into the left renal vein or directly into the inferior vena cava. This vein plays a role in venous return from the diaphragm and contributes to the collateral venous network between abdominal and thoracic veins.
D. B (Inferior vena cava): The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the body, returning deoxygenated blood from the lower extremities, pelvis, and abdomen to the right atrium of the heart. It is formed by the union of the left and right common iliac veins at the level of L5, ascends retroperitoneally to the right of the abdominal aorta, and receives tributaries including renal, hepatic, phrenic, and lumbar veins.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Flow decreases because resistance increases: Blood viscosity refers to the thickness or internal friction of blood, which is primarily influenced by hematocrit and plasma protein levels. According to Poiseuille’s law, increased viscosity raises vascular resistance, reducing the rate of blood flow if the pressure gradient remains constant. This can impair tissue perfusion, especially in microcirculation.
B. Flow increases because resistance decreases: Increased viscosity actually increases resistance rather than decreasing it. Higher resistance opposes blood movement, so flow does not increase; it diminishes unless compensatory mechanisms like elevated blood pressure occur.
C. Flow remains unchanged regardless of viscosity: Blood flow is highly dependent on viscosity. If viscosity rises, resistance rises, and flow decreases. Homeostatic mechanisms may adjust pressure over time, but immediate flow is affected by changes in viscosity.
D. Flow increases due to higher plasma protein concentration: Higher plasma protein concentration contributes to increased viscosity. While plasma proteins are important for oncotic pressure, they do not enhance flow; they actually increase resistance and slow blood movement.
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