Pressure gradients drive blood flow from the heart to the tissues (systemic circuit) and the heart to the lungs (pulmonary circuit). The same amount of blood must flow through both the systemic circuit and the pulmonary circuit, and yet the pulmonary circuit experiences a significantly lower pressure gradient. Explain how this is the case

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter10: The Blood Vessels And Blood Pressure
Section10.2: Arteries
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Pressure gradients drive blood flow from the heart to the tissues (systemic circuit) and the heart to the lungs (pulmonary circuit). The same amount of blood must flow through both the systemic circuit and the pulmonary circuit, and yet the pulmonary circuit experiences a significantly lower pressure gradient. Explain how this is the case

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