Physiology CVS

[hp2098]

Even though the total cross sectional area of capillaries is more as compared to arteries, why is there least volume of blood in capillaries (only 7% of the total 84% of the systemic circulation) ?

 

[watermelon master]

I don't know the actual physiological answer but if you use your common sense you could guess that most of the blood pools in the large veins.

 

[Jabbed]

Surface area =/= volume

Take a glass and fill half of it with pennies. The surface area of the pennies is significantly greater than that of the glass, although the volume occupied will by definition be 1/2 that of the glass.

Remember that the smallest capillaries (3-4 micromiters) can barely accommodate the diameter of a very compressed RBC.

 

[takeurmeds02]

Cardio is kicking my ass too

 

[SurfingDoctor]

Venous capacitance

 

[hp2098]

Cardio is kicking my ass too

🙁

 

[hp2098]

Surface area =/= volume

Take a glass and fill half of it with pennies. The surface area of the pennies is significantly greater than that of the glass, although the volume occupied will by definition be 1/2 that of the glass.

Remember that the smallest capillaries (3-4 micromiters) can barely accommodate the diameter of a very compressed RBC.

Thank you, that was helpful 🙂