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17: Blood Vessels and Circulation
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Learning Objectives
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Compare and contrast the three tunics that make up the walls of most blood vessels
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Distinguish between elastic arteries, muscular arteries, and arterioles on the basis of structure and location
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Describe the basic structure of a capillary bed, from the supplying metarteriole to the venule into which it drains
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Explain the structure of venous valves in the large veins of the extremities
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17.1: Shared Structures
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This page explains the structural differences between blood vessels: arteries and arterioles have thicker walls and smaller lumens to handle high blood pressure, while veins and venules have thicker tunica externas and flattened appearances to manage lower pressure and larger volumes. Arteries are adapted for high-pressure flow, whereas veins cater to larger blood volumes at lower pressures.
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17.2: Exercises
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This page offers labeling exercises to learn the anatomy of the human circulatory system, focusing on arteries and veins in different regions like the abdomen and limbs. It covers key structures, including tunica layers, major arteries (e.g., aorta, femoral artery), and veins, highlighting the importance of left/right orientation and pulse pressure points for clinical assessments. The structured exercises aim to enhance understanding of vascular anatomy.
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17.3: MODELS- Flat Body, Skull with Arteries and Nerves, Torso, Leg, Arm, and Sagittal Head
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This page provides a detailed overview of blood vessel histology, including the layers (tunica externa, tunica media, tunica interna) and components like vasa vasorum and valves, while discussing varicose veins. It categorizes arteries, highlighting major ones like the aorta, carotid, subclavian, celiac trunk, and femoral artery. Additionally, it lists significant veins, such as the superior and inferior vena cava, and key branches like the brachiocephalic and great saphenous veins.