blood vessels

• What are the three types of blood vessels?

  Arteries, veins, and capillaries
• What is the primary function of arteries?

  To take blood away from the heart
• What type of blood do arteries carry?

  High pressure, oxygen-rich blood
• Which artery is an exception that does not carry oxygen-rich blood?

  The artery that goes to the lungs
• What do veins do with blood?

  They carry blood to the heart
• What type of blood do veins carry?

  Low oxygen, darker red blood
• What are capillaries responsible for?

  Transporting blood to and from cells
• What is the structure of arteries and veins?

  They have an outer layer of connective tissue
• Why is the outer layer of veins thicker?

  To prevent collapse due to lower pressure
• What type of muscle tissue do arteries and veins have?

  They have a layer of smooth muscle tissue
• Why is the muscle layer thicker in arteries?

  To help pump blood and maintain pressure
• What is the endothelial layer?

  The inner layer of arteries and veins
• What is atherosclerosis?

  A disease caused by fatty deposits in arteries
• What are fatty deposits in atherosclerosis called?

  Atheroma
• What can atheroma lead to?

  Blood clots blocking arteries
• What major diseases can atherosclerosis cause?

  Coronary disease and strokes
• How does atherosclerosis develop?

  Through damage to endothelial tissue
• What can damage the endothelial tissue?

  Smoking and high blood pressure
• What type of cholesterol accumulates in atherosclerosis?

  LDL cholesterol
• What happens to the artery wall during atherosclerosis?

  It becomes inflamed and forms plaque
• What is plaque in atherosclerosis?

  A buildup of cholesterol and cells
• What effect does atheroma have on blood flow?

  It restricts blood flow and increases pressure
• How does smoking contribute to atherosclerosis?

  It damages the endothelium and thickens blood
• Describe the structure of the three types of blood vessels.

  • Arteries:
  • Thick outer layer of connective tissue
  • Thicker smooth muscle layer
  • Endothelial layer inside
  • Veins:
  • Thicker outer layer than arteries
  • Thinner smooth muscle layer
  • Endothelial layer inside
  • Capillaries:
  • Only an endothelial layer
• What are the steps in the development of atherosclerosis?

  1. Endothelial tissue damage
  2. Accumulation of LDL cholesterol
  3. Inflammation and white blood cell response
  4. Formation of plaque (atheroma)
  5. Narrowing of arteries and increased blood pressure
• How does smoking affect cardiovascular health?

  • Damages endothelial tissue
  • Increases blood thickness
  • Raises blood pressure and heart rate
  • Contributes to atherosclerosis development