EBK PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOG
EBK PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOG
16th Edition
ISBN: 9781119662686
Author: DERRICKSON
Publisher: VST
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 21, Problem 1CP
Summary Introduction

To review:

The function of smooth muscles and elastic fibers in the arteries of tunica media.

Introduction:

The blood vessels, which transports the oxygenated blood from the heart to different body parts are known as arteries. In general, the wall of the blood vessels is composed of three distinct layers. The innermost layer is the tunica interna or intima, while tunica externa or adventitia is the outermost layer. Between these two layers is the tunica media.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The tunica media consists of the smooth muscle cells as well as the elastic fibers. The primary function of the cells of the smooth muscle that sheath the lumen of the vessel is to regulate its diameter in response to external stimuli. An increased sympathetic stimulus causes the smooth muscle cells to contract, which in turn narrows down the lumen.

This reduction in the blood vessel's lumen diameter is termed as vasoconstriction. On the contrary, a decreased sympathetic stimulus causes the cells of smooth muscle to relax leading to an increased lumen diameter. This process is called vasodilation. The cells of the smooth muscle also help in the production of the elastic fibers in the arteria's tunica media. These elastic fibers help increase the stretch or recoil the blood vessel depending on the pressure applied.

Conclusion

Thus, cells of the smooth muscle in tunica media respond to the external stimuli and cause the blood vessels to contract or dilate. The elastic fibers help the blood vessels to stretch or recoil under pressure and prevents their tearing when the pressure increases.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
How does the cost of food affect the nutritional choices people make?
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics:Two-Compartment Model Zero-Order Absorption Questions SHOW ALL WORK, including equation used, variables used and each step to your solution, report your regression lines and axes names (with units if appropriate) :Calculate a-q  a) B1,   b) B2,   c) hybrid rate constant (1) d) hybrid rate constant (2) e) t1/2,dist f) t1/2,elim   g) k10 h) k12 i) k21 j) initial concentration (C0)   k) central compartment volume (V1) l) steady-state volume (Vss)   m) clearance (CL)  AUC (0→10 min) using trapezoidal rule n)  AUC (20→30 min) using trapezoidal rule o) AUCtail (AUC360→∞)   p) total AUC (using short cut method) q) volume from AUC (VAUC)
What are some external influences that keep people from making healthy eating decisions?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168130
Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Curren'S Math For Meds: Dosages & Sol
Nursing
ISBN:9781305143531
Author:CURREN
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biomedical Instrumentation Systems
Chemistry
ISBN:9781133478294
Author:Chatterjee
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Principles Of Radiographic Imaging: An Art And A ...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337711067
Author:Richard R. Carlton, Arlene M. Adler, Vesna Balac
Publisher:Cengage Learning