Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

Which layer of the arterial wall contains smooth muscle cells and is primarily responsible for vasoconstriction?

Answer: Tunica media

The tunica media contains smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers that regulate vessel diameter through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

The celiac artery is the first unpaired branch of the abdominal aorta and supplies blood to which organs?

Answer: Liver, stomach, and spleen

The celiac artery (celiac trunk) divides into the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries, supplying the liver, stomach, and spleen.

Which valve prevents backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle?

Answer: Pulmonic (pulmonary) valve

The pulmonic valve, a semilunar valve, closes during ventricular diastole to prevent regurgitation of blood from the pulmonary artery back into the right ventricle.

What is the primary function of the vasa vasorum?

Answer: Supply nutrients to the walls of large vessels

Vasa vasorum are tiny blood vessels within the walls of large arteries and veins that supply oxygen and nutrients to the tunica media and adventitia.

The profunda femoris (deep femoral) artery typically originates from which vessel?

Answer: Common femoral artery

The profunda femoris arises from the posterolateral aspect of the common femoral artery, approximately 3–5 cm below the inguinal ligament.

Which of the following best describes the normal direction of blood flow in the vertebral veins?

Answer: Caudad toward the subclavian vein

Vertebral veins drain caudally from the cervical vertebral venous plexus into the brachiocephalic (innominate) vein via the subclavian vein.

Starling's law of the heart states that increased ventricular end-diastolic volume results in:

Answer: Increased stroke volume

Starling's law (Frank-Starling mechanism) states that the greater the ventricular filling (preload), the greater the force of contraction and resulting stroke volume.