Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide Contraction of the smooth muscle cells of this sphincter narrows the diameter of the capillary entrance, thereby reducing or stopping the flow of blood. When one precapillary sphincter constricts, blood is diverted into other branches of the plexus. Relaxation of a precapillary sphincter dilates the opening, and blood flows into the capillary accelerates as a result. A capillary bed has several direct connections between arterioles and venules. The wall in the initial part of this type of passageway possesses smooth muscle capable of changing its diameter. This segment is called a metarteriole or precapillary arteriole. The rest of the passageway, which resembles a typical capillary in structure, is called a thoroughfare channel. A capillary bed may receive blood from more than one artery. Multiple arteries, called collaterals , enter the region and fuse before giving rise to arterioles. The fusion of two collateral arteries that supply a capillary bed is an example of an arterial anastomosis . An anastomosis is the connecting of blood vessels. It is like an insurance policy: If one artery is compressed or blocked, capillary circulation will continue. The anterior and posterior interventricular arteries of the heart are an arterial anastomosis, and minor occlusions would not inhibit blood supply to the tissue. Arteriovenous anastomoses are direct connections between arterioles and venules. Angiogenesis is the forming of new blood vessels under the direction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Angiogenesis occurs embryologically during the development of tissues and organs. It may also occur at other times in any body tissue in response to factors released by hypoxic (oxygen-starved) cells. Clinically, it is probably most important in cardiac muscle, where angiogenesis occurs in response to a chronically constricted or occluded vessel. 20.4 Vasomotion Blood normally flows from arterioles to venules at a constant rate. However, capillary blood flow is variable. Each precapillary sphincter alternately contracts and relaxes, perhaps a dozen times per minute. As a result, the blood flow into any capillary is not in a steady constant stream but in pulses. The net effect is that blood may reach the venules by one route now and by a different route later. This cycling of contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles that changes blood flow through capillary beds is called vasomotion.

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