Classification of vessels: Conducting - large arteries arising from heart and their branches. Elastic Distributing - smaller arteries reaching individual organs or regions. Muscular Resistance - arterioles, main source of peripheral resistance to blood flow. Muscular Exchange - collective term for capillaires, sinusoids, postcapillary venules. Site of gas/nutrient exchange Reservoir - large venules and veins. Large volume, low pressure, convey blood back to heart. Anastomoses - junction of two or more arteries serving same body part (collateral circulation) Vasa Vasorum – microcirculatory vessels in walls of large blood vessels (walls > 1mm) Aorta sizes: human = 30mm (1 in.) mouse = 2mm blue whale = 30cm (15 in)
Transparency leg/foot
Hepatic-portal circulation