I have a question about arterial pressure.
It says in BRS physiology, 4th ed that "The most important determinant of pulse pressure is stroke volume. As blood is ejected from the left ventricle into the arterial system, arterial pressure increases because of the relatively low capacitance of the arteries." (p.73)
However, on the previous page, the book talks about how pressure DECREASES as you go from the arteries to the arterioles to the capillaries all the way to the venules and veins and finally the vena cava.
Can someone clear up my confusion as to whether arterial pressure increases or decreases, and under what conditions?
Also, 1) why does diastolic pressure remain unchanged during ventricular systole and 2) why isn't MAP simply the average of systolic and diastolic pressures?
Thanks. These are probably very simple questions but I'd like to get clarification.
It says in BRS physiology, 4th ed that "The most important determinant of pulse pressure is stroke volume. As blood is ejected from the left ventricle into the arterial system, arterial pressure increases because of the relatively low capacitance of the arteries." (p.73)
However, on the previous page, the book talks about how pressure DECREASES as you go from the arteries to the arterioles to the capillaries all the way to the venules and veins and finally the vena cava.
Can someone clear up my confusion as to whether arterial pressure increases or decreases, and under what conditions?
Also, 1) why does diastolic pressure remain unchanged during ventricular systole and 2) why isn't MAP simply the average of systolic and diastolic pressures?
Thanks. These are probably very simple questions but I'd like to get clarification.