vessel. Viscosity has implications on the flow rate through a tube or vessel. Viscosity of plasma is about 1.8-times the viscosity of water at 37°C and this is due primarily to the protein content in the plasma. Whole blood (including the blood cells) has a viscosity ~ 3-times the viscosity of water. There is a condition called polycythemia that is characterized by excessive blood cell production and these individuals have blood viscosity up to 8 times that of water. How might the heart (a) or the vasculature (b) adapt to this problem to normalize blood flow rate? Be specific about the variables that could be modified and compare the magnitude of
Viscosity of a fluid is related to the internal friction of movement within the fluid, along with the friction between the fluid and the wall of the vessel. Viscosity has implications on the flow rate through a tube or vessel. Viscosity of plasma is about 1.8-times the viscosity of water at 37°C and this is due primarily to the protein content in the plasma. Whole blood (including the blood cells) has a viscosity ~ 3-times the viscosity of water. There is a condition called polycythemia that is characterized by excessive blood cell production and these individuals have blood viscosity up to 8 times that of water. How might the heart (a) or the vasculature (b) adapt to this problem to normalize blood flow rate? Be specific about the variables that could be modified and compare the magnitude of change that would be required in these variables. c) Why would the adaptation via the vasculature be the major mechanisms that would likely take place in these patients?
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