The Velocity of Blood Flow Is the Lowest in Capillaries

question 9

Multiple Choice

The velocity of blood flow is the lowest in capillaries because ________.

• A) the capillaries have internal valves that slow the flow of blood
• B) the diastolic blood pressure is too low to deliver blood to the capillaries at a high flow rate
• C) the systemic capillaries are supplied by the left ventricle, which has a lower cardiac output than the right ventricle
• D) the total cross-sectional area of the capillaries is greater than the total cross-sectional area of the arteries or any other part of the circulatory system

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Definitions:

Erythropoiesis

The process by which red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced, which occurs in the bone marrow.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced primarily by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels in tissues.

Vasculitis

Inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause walls to thicken, narrow, weaken, or scar, affecting blood flow and leading to various complications.

Capillary

Tiny blood vessels connecting arterioles and venules, where the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and many other nutrient and waste chemical substances between blood and tissues occurs.