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This is my SDN disclaimer that this question is related to a physiology exam being taken at a medical school; it is not related to 'premed homework help'.
I'm studying CV dynamics, specifically laminar flow at this point. As this page explains, the velocity of perfectly laminar flow can be described by a parabolic curve.
To me, if we're talking about ideal flow, wouldn't everything move at the same speed? Every molecule would be traveling "straight", would have the same amount of neighboring molecules, and I don't see why they would not all have the same velocity.
I would really appreciate it if someone could explain to me why in ideal laminar flow there is greater velocity towards the middle of the vessel? Perhaps the assumption is that all resistance (or the vast majority of it) comes from the vessel walls, so distance away from wall leads to greater velocity?
I'm studying CV dynamics, specifically laminar flow at this point. As this page explains, the velocity of perfectly laminar flow can be described by a parabolic curve.
To me, if we're talking about ideal flow, wouldn't everything move at the same speed? Every molecule would be traveling "straight", would have the same amount of neighboring molecules, and I don't see why they would not all have the same velocity.
I would really appreciate it if someone could explain to me why in ideal laminar flow there is greater velocity towards the middle of the vessel? Perhaps the assumption is that all resistance (or the vast majority of it) comes from the vessel walls, so distance away from wall leads to greater velocity?