Vascular Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

Which of the following veins is typically the DEEPEST and most medial vein in the antecubital fossa, often preferred for PICC insertion?

Answer: Basilic vein

The basilic vein is the largest and deepest medial vein at the antecubital fossa and is preferred for PICC insertion because of its size and more direct path to central circulation.

Collateral circulation refers to:

Answer: The redundant arterial supply created by anastomoses when a primary vessel is obstructed

Collateral circulation is the network of alternative vessels that can enlarge and reroute blood flow when a primary vessel becomes occluded, limiting ischemic injury.

The mean arterial pressure (MAP) is calculated using which formula?

Answer: Diastolic + 1/3 (Pulse Pressure)

MAP = Diastolic BP + 1/3 (Systolic – Diastolic), reflecting that diastole occupies approximately two-thirds of the cardiac cycle at normal heart rates.

Venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability are collectively known as:

Answer: Virchow's Triad

Virchow's Triad describes the three major risk factors for thrombosis: venous stasis, endothelial damage, and a hypercoagulable state.

Which vessel is palpated to confirm arterial versus venous placement when inserting a central venous catheter at the internal jugular site?

Answer: Common carotid artery

The common carotid artery is palpated medially to the internal jugular vein and serves as a landmark to avoid arterial puncture during IJ central line insertion.

Oncotic pressure (colloid osmotic pressure) within capillaries is primarily maintained by:

Answer: Plasma albumin

Albumin, the most abundant plasma protein, is the principal contributor to oncotic pressure, drawing fluid back into capillaries from interstitial spaces.

Which term describes the process by which leukocytes roll along and adhere to activated endothelium before migrating to sites of inflammation?

Answer: Margination and pavementing

Margination and pavementing describe leukocyte rolling and adhesion to endothelium via selectins and integrins, a prerequisite step before diapedesis into tissues.