Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

19. The Blood Vessels

Introduction to Blood Vessels

Anatomy & Physiology

19. The Blood Vessels

Introduction to Blood Vessels

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Multiple Choice

Closer to the heart, arteries would be expected to have a higher percentage of which of the following tissue types?

Smooth muscle

Collagen fibers

Endothelial cells

Elastic fibers

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure and function of arteries: Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart under high pressure. To accommodate this pressure, arteries have specialized tissue types in their walls.

Review the role of elastic fibers: Elastic fibers are a type of connective tissue that allows arteries to stretch and recoil. This property is crucial for maintaining blood flow and pressure as the heart pumps blood.

Compare elastic fibers to other tissue types: Smooth muscle helps regulate vessel diameter, collagen fibers provide structural support, and endothelial cells form the inner lining of blood vessels. However, elastic fibers are uniquely suited to handle the pulsatile pressure near the heart.

Focus on proximity to the heart: Arteries closer to the heart, such as the aorta, experience the highest pressure fluctuations due to the forceful ejection of blood during systole. Elastic fibers are abundant in these arteries to absorb and distribute the pressure effectively.

Conclude why elastic fibers are the correct answer: The high percentage of elastic fibers in arteries near the heart ensures they can stretch during systole and recoil during diastole, maintaining smooth blood flow and pressure regulation.