1) The document discusses the structure and function of blood vessels. It describes the three layers - tunica externa, media, and intima - that make up arteries, veins, and capillaries. 2) The tunica media contains smooth muscle that allows for vasoconstriction and vasodilation to control blood flow. Capillaries are the thinnest blood vessels where exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other materials occurs between blood and tissues. 3) Conditions like arteriosclerosis can develop if blood vessels are not properly maintained, leading to a thickening of the arteries and reduced elasticity. This can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Maintaining a healthy

1. Blood Vessels
Cardiovascular System
Lloyd Dean

2. Recap
This is a link to purposegames. Use this. If you cannot access
this/find it on the internet then go into BlackBoard, upload this
file and click through this link!

3. True of False (Thumbs up and
down)
1. The left side of the heart has a smaller
2.
3.
4.
5.
myocardium then the right side
There are 5 heart valves
Stroke volume is the amount of blood
ejected from the heart per contraction
Vena Cava is the largest vein
The aorta send oxygenated blood from the
heart to the lungs

4. Aims
By the end of the lesson you should be able to:
Describe the structure and function of the different blood
vessels (Task 1)
State how vasodilation and vasoconstriction occur (Task 1)
Recall diseases with blood vessels

5. Now…
The blood vessel family!

6. Structure of Blood Vessels

7. Structure of Layers
Tunica Externa / Adventitia
 Outer layer
 Largely made up of collagen and elastin fibers
 Supports blood vessel by being shock absorber
Let’s see
vasodilation and
vasoconstriction!
Tunica Media
 Middle layer
 Mainly smooth muscle with elastic layers and collagen
 Used for vasoconstriction and vasodilation
Tunica Intima
 Composed of smooth epithelial cells named endothelium
 Minimises friction between moving blood

8. Explain this for part of the merit criteria

9. Artery / Arterioles
Arteries
Pumps oxygenated blood to the body
Have narrow lumens
Strong as pumping blood at high pressure
(Pinterest, 2013)
Arterioles
Branches into smaller arteries (arterioles) when nearer tissue
More smooth muscle to control blood flow

10. Capillaries
Thinnest blood vessel
Made of single layer of endothelial cells
Bring blood as close as possible to all cells
Exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, salts, between
the blood and the surrounding body tissues takes place
Large quantities cover the muscle, ensuring efficient
exchange of gases
(Pinterest, 2013)

11. (Pinterest, 2013)
Veins / Venules
Venules
Vessels formed from capillaries
Drains blood from capillaries into veins
Veins
Have same walls as artery but less thinner, elastic and
muscular
Pressure and speed of blood is low
Wider Lumen than artery
Have valves that prevent backflow of blood

14. Task
Let’s make some blood
You need to:
vessels
-Create a vein and artery
Play – doh
-Apply the structures we have
Scissors
discussed so far
-Represent blood vessel
disease (If you have time)
Marker pens
Straws

15. Comparison of Blood Vessels
Feature
Artery
Capillary
Vein
Tunica Externa
√
X
√
Tunica Media
Thick
X
Thinner
Tunica Interna
√
√
√
Size of Lumen
Small
Microscopic
Large
Valves
X
X
√

16. Task
What can happen if we do not look after the blood vessels?
What this video and then fill in your story board.
Tell your study buddy what you think is happening here?
This will help to give you a focus!

17. What can happen if we do not look
after the blood vessels?
Arteriosclerosis describes a
number of conditions
The thickening of the
arteries which results in
loss of elasticity
Can lead to heart attacks
and strokes
Most common form is
atherosclerosis
Build up of fatty
substances, such as
cholesterol
Results in formation of
plaque in arteries
Hypertension (High blood
pressure) can also lead o
loss of elasticity

20. What lifestyle changes can be made to
reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis
Give up smoking
Keep cholesterol levels at a
safe limit
Improve diet
Control weight
Reduce stress

21. Biliography
Pinterest. 2013. INFO. [online] Available at:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/379006124862451723/
[Accessed: 2 Dec 2013].
Pinterest. 2013. Sketchbooks. [online] Available at:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/133771051405630832/
[Accessed: 2 Dec 2013].
Pinterest. 2013. Nursing. [online] Available at:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/273030796132827898/
[Accessed: 2 Dec 2013].