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

Capillaries

Anatomy & Physiology

19. The Blood Vessels

Capillaries

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Multiple Choice

Which structure regulates blood flow distribution in mesenteric capillary beds & diverts blood from one area to another based on local metabolic needs?

Precapillary sphincters.

Arteriole valves.

Capillary gates.

Venous pumps.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of precapillary sphincters: These are rings of smooth muscle located at the entrance of capillary beds. They regulate blood flow by contracting or relaxing, thus controlling the amount of blood entering the capillaries based on the tissue's metabolic needs.

Consider the function of arteriole valves: Arterioles are small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries. While they help regulate blood pressure and flow, they do not specifically divert blood flow in response to local metabolic needs like precapillary sphincters do.

Evaluate the concept of capillary gates: This term is not commonly used in anatomy and physiology. It may be a misunderstanding or mislabeling of the function of precapillary sphincters.

Analyze the role of venous pumps: These are mechanisms that aid in returning blood to the heart, particularly from the lower extremities, and do not play a role in regulating blood flow distribution in capillary beds.

Conclude that precapillary sphincters are the structures responsible for regulating blood flow distribution in mesenteric capillary beds, as they can constrict or dilate to meet the metabolic demands of the tissue.