VA-BC Vascular Anatomy & Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of a blood vessel contains smooth muscle and elastic tissue responsible for vasoconstriction and vasodilation?
- Tunica intima
- Tunica media (Correct answer)
- Tunica adventitia
- Endothelium
Correct answer: Tunica media
The tunica media is the middle layer containing smooth muscle and elastic fibers that regulate vessel diameter.
Question 2: The cephalic vein runs along which aspect of the forearm and upper arm?
- Medial
- Posterior
- Lateral (Correct answer)
- Anterior midline
Correct answer: Lateral
The cephalic vein travels along the lateral (radial) aspect of the forearm and upper arm before entering the axillary vein.
Question 3: What is the primary function of venous valves?
- Regulate blood pressure
- Prevent retrograde blood flow (Correct answer)
- Increase venous compliance
- Stimulate venous smooth muscle contraction
Correct answer: Prevent retrograde blood flow
Venous valves are bicuspid structures that prevent retrograde (backward) flow of blood, aiding venous return against gravity.
Question 4: Which vessel carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs?
- Pulmonary vein
- Pulmonary artery (Correct answer)
- Aorta
- Superior vena cava
Correct answer: Pulmonary artery
The pulmonary artery is unique among arteries in carrying deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary capillary bed.
Question 5: The basilic vein joins which vessel to form the axillary vein?
- Cephalic vein
- Brachial vein (Correct answer)
- Subclavian vein
- Jugular vein
Correct answer: Brachial vein
The basilic vein merges with the brachial vein at the lower border of the teres major muscle to form the axillary vein.
Question 6: Which anatomical landmark marks the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium, the preferred PICC tip location?
- Angle of Louis
- Carina
- Cavoatrial junction (Correct answer)
- Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: Cavoatrial junction
The cavoatrial junction (CAJ) is the optimal PICC tip placement site, providing high blood flow to dilute infusates.
Question 7: Arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) primarily serve which physiological function?
- Nutrient delivery to tissues
- Thermoregulation by bypassing capillary beds (Correct answer)
- Increasing systemic vascular resistance
- Producing clotting factors
Correct answer: Thermoregulation by bypassing capillary beds
AVAs are direct connections between arterioles and venules that bypass capillaries, primarily functioning in thermoregulation by controlling heat dissipation.
VA-BC Vascular Anatomy & Physiology 2
Which layer of a blood vessel contains smooth muscle and elastic tissue responsible for vasoconstriction and vasodilation?