It is known that pressure in a pipe increases as cross-sectional area increases, according to Bernoulli's principle. It is also known that as blood vessels constrict (cross-sectional area decreases) blood pressure increases. Is this not a contradiction or is it simply due to the fact that pipes are open at one end whereas blood vessels are closed?

It is known that pressure in a pipe increases as cross-sectional area increases, according to Bernoulli's principle. It is also known that as blood vessels constrict (cross-sectional area decreases) blood pressure increases. Is this not a contradiction or is it simply due to the fact that pipes are open at one end whereas blood vessels are closed?

funny you should ask that question. Yesterday it was explained beautifully by Visadahas. I think he/she might be psychic b/c the OP didn't even ask about it specifically like you are, he was just explaining it to help the OP better understand the concepts. creepy.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=526219

Thanks a lot for the reference link. It helped a lot!