Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Why does the velocity of blood slow greatly as blood flows from arterioles into capillaries?
A
Because blood pressure increases dramatically in the capillaries.
B
Because the heart pumps blood more slowly when it reaches the capillaries.
C
Because the total cross-sectional area of the capillaries is much greater than that of the arterioles.
D
Because capillaries have thicker walls that resist blood flow.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the relationship between blood velocity and the cross-sectional area of blood vessels: Blood velocity is inversely proportional to the total cross-sectional area of the vessels it flows through. This means that as the total cross-sectional area increases, the velocity of blood decreases.
Compare the structure of arterioles and capillaries: Arterioles are small blood vessels that branch into capillaries. Capillaries are much smaller in diameter individually, but collectively, they have a significantly larger total cross-sectional area compared to arterioles.
Analyze the effect of the increased cross-sectional area: When blood flows from arterioles into capillaries, the total cross-sectional area increases dramatically. This causes the velocity of blood to slow down, allowing for efficient exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.
Clarify why other options are incorrect: Blood pressure does not increase dramatically in capillaries; it actually decreases. The heart does not pump blood more slowly when it reaches capillaries, as the heart's pumping rate is constant. Capillaries do not have thicker walls; they have thin walls to facilitate exchange.
Conclude with the correct explanation: The velocity of blood slows greatly as it flows from arterioles into capillaries because the total cross-sectional area of the capillaries is much greater than that of the arterioles.