Vascular System: Practice Questions | 73 Questions with 100% Correct Answers | Updated & Verified | 29 Pages

Comparing various levels of the vascular tree (e.g., arteries, veins, and capillaries), blood flow is greatest through: (a) The aorta (b) The large arteries (c) The capillary network (d) The large veins (e) None of the above; total blood flow is the same at every level of the vascular tree - (e) None of the above; total blood flow is the same at every level of the vascular tree The term "tunica media" refers to which layer within the wall of a blood vessel? (a) The inner endothelial layer (b) The middle layer of vascular smooth muscle cells (c) The outer elastic layer of proteins consisting of collagen and elastin fibers (d) The external fibrous covering consisting of tough collagen fibers (e) The surrounding layer of interstitial fibroblasts - (b) The middle layer of vascular smooth muscle cells A large drop in hydrostatic pressure occurs as blood flows through arterioles within systemic circulation because: (a) They have the greatest surface area compared to other portions of the vascular tree (b) They have a greater cross-sectional area compared to other portions of the vascular tree