Blood Vessels

Structure of Arteries and Veins and Capillaries

The Structure of Arteries and Veins: Three Layers

Types of Arteries
Classified in order of decreasing size:
Elastic
Also known as conducting arteries. Elastic fibers are the predominant component of the tunica media Also known as distributing arteries. Smooth muscle is the predominant component of the tunica media

Muscular

Arterioles

Smallest of arteries. Reduce pressure of blood entering capillary

Examples of Elastic or Conducting Arteries

Aorta and some of its major branches:
Subclavian Brachiocephalic Common carotid Vertebral

Wall of the Aorta

Muscular or Distributing Arteries

Low magnification view of a small muscular artery.

Notice the black-staining internal and external elastic laminae. They allow the lumen to change sizes based on the degree of contraction of the smooth muscle in the tunica media

What Is An Anastomosis?

Arterioles

Capillaries: Three Types

Control of Blood Delivery to a Capillary Bed

Venules and Veins

Distribution of Blood

Review
The innermost layer of all blood vessels is called the _______________ which is lined with _______________. The middle layer of blood vessels is called the _____________ and consists of varying amounts of ____________ and _________. The outermost layer is the _________________.

Review
The category of arteries that function to stabilize blood pressure and maintain one-way flow of blood are the _____________ arteries. Distributing arteries regulate the amount of blood flowing to different organs based on physiological demand because their middle layer consists primarily of _____________. Very small arteries that reduce blood pressure arriving to the capillary beds are ____________.

Review
The type of capillary that is found in organs where production and absorption of materials needs to occur rapidly is the _____________. Blood vessels under low pressure that bring blood back to the heart are the _________. These vessels have __________ in their walls to insure one way flow.