The CardiovascularSystem:The Blood VesselsOverview of Arteries and VeinsModule 18.1 in your text introduces you to the structure and function of arteries andveins. By the end of the module, you should be able to do the following:1. Compare and contrast the structures of arteries and veins and of arterioles and venules.2. Describe the structure and function of the types of arteries and veins.3. Def
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The Cardiovascular
System:
The Blood Vessels
Overview of Arteries and Veins
Module 18.1 in your text introduces you to the structure and function of arteries and
veins. By the end of the module, you should be able to do the following:
1. Compare and contrast the structures of arteries and veins and of arterioles and venules.
2. Describe the structure and function of the types of arteries and veins.
3. Define vascular anastomosis, and explain the significance of anastomoses.
Build Your Own Glossary
Following is a table with a list of key terms from Module 18.1. Before you read the module,
use the glossary at the back of your book or look through the module to define the terms.
Key Terms for Module 18.1
Term | Definition
Artery | The distribution system of the vasculature; carry blood away
from the heart. Oxygenated into systemic circuit & deoxygenated
to pulmonary.
The exchange system of the vasculature; small diameter vessels
that form branching networks [capillary beds]. Many capillary
walls are only one cell later thick, making exchange of gases, | Capillary
nutrients, and wastes possible.
Definition | Term
Vein | The collection system of the vasculature; draw blood from the
capillary beds & return them to the heart.
Tunica intima | Innermost vessel layer composed of endothelium. Composed of
endothelium; continuous with the endocardium of the heart.
Produce nitric oxide, collagen, and clotting factors. Internal
elastic lamina fibers give vessels the properties of
dispensability [ability to stretch] & elasticity [ability to recoil].
Middle vessel layer composed of two separate layers; smooth
muscle cells arranged around the lumen & external elastic lamina.
These smooth muscle cells control the diameter of blood
vessels [vasocontriction/dilation] and are innervated by | Tunica media
sympathetic vasomotor nerves.
Outer layer, composed of dense irregular collagenous connective
tissue; it supports the blood vessel and prevents it from
overstretching.
*Vaso vasora are tiny vessels that supply the tunica media and
tunica externa – these vessels supply oxygen & nutrients to the | Tunica externa
parts of the vessel whose cells are too far away from lumen to
Flaps of endothelium in certain veins that prevent blood from
flowing backwards. | Venous valve
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