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

Veins

Anatomy & Physiology

19. The Blood Vessels

Veins

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1:34 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Which of the following can lead to decreased venous return of blood to the heart?
a. An increase in blood volume
b. An increase in venous pressure
c. Damage to the venous valves
d. Increased muscular activity

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of venous return: Venous return refers to the flow of blood back to the heart via the veins. Factors that affect venous return include blood volume, venous pressure, valve function, and muscular activity.

Analyze the effect of blood volume: Increased blood volume generally increases venous return because more blood is available to flow back to the heart. Therefore, this option does not lead to decreased venous return.

Evaluate the effect of venous pressure: Increased venous pressure can enhance venous return by driving blood toward the heart. However, if venous pressure is abnormally high due to conditions like venous congestion, it may impede the flow of blood back to the heart. Consider this possibility carefully.

Examine the role of venous valves: Damage to venous valves can lead to blood pooling in the veins (venous insufficiency), which decreases venous return. Venous valves are crucial for preventing backflow and ensuring efficient blood movement toward the heart.

Assess the impact of muscular activity: Increased muscular activity, such as during exercise, enhances venous return by compressing veins and pushing blood toward the heart (the skeletal muscle pump mechanism). Therefore, this option does not lead to decreased venous return.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Venous Return

Venous return refers to the flow of blood back to the heart through the veins. It is influenced by several factors, including blood volume, venous pressure, and the condition of the venous valves. A decrease in venous return can lead to reduced cardiac output and affect overall circulation.

Venous Valves

Venous valves are one-way valves located within the veins that prevent the backflow of blood. Damage to these valves can lead to venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the veins, reducing the efficiency of venous return to the heart. This can result in symptoms such as swelling and discomfort in the affected limbs.

Muscle Pump Mechanism

The muscle pump mechanism is the process by which skeletal muscle contractions help propel blood through the veins back to the heart. Increased muscular activity enhances venous return by compressing the veins and pushing blood upward, especially in the legs. Conversely, a lack of muscle activity can hinder this process, leading to decreased venous return.