Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 5: Problem 10

Explain why skeletal muscle contraction has an effect on venous flow but not arterial flow. (pages \(100-01\) )

Short Answer

Expert verified
Skeletal muscle contraction significantly affects venous flow by compressing veins and utilizing one-way valves, effectively pushing blood back towards the heart through the "muscle pump" mechanism. However, arterial flow is less impacted by skeletal muscle contraction due to the robust structure of arteries, higher pressure, and forceful contractions of the heart. These factors allow arteries to maintain consistent blood flow even during muscle contractions, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients continue to be delivered to tissues throughout the body.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Skeletal Muscle Contraction and Circulatory System

Skeletal muscle contraction is the process by which muscles generate force to produce movement. The circulatory system, consisting of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries, is responsible for transporting blood and nutrients throughout the body. It is important to note how these muscle contractions can influence blood flow within the system.
02

Discuss the Role of Skeletal Muscle Contraction in Venous Flow

Venous flow refers to the movement of blood in veins back toward the heart. One unique aspect of venous flow is that it relies on external factors to aid in the return of blood to the heart. During skeletal muscle contraction, muscles compress the veins, effectively squeezing the blood within them. This action, along with the presence of one-way valves in veins, prevents backflow and helps to push blood back to the heart. This mechanism is often called the "muscle pump" or "skeletal muscle pump."
03

Explain the Lack of Effect on Arterial Flow

Arterial flow refers to the movement of blood in arteries away from the heart. Arteries are much more robust and have thicker walls compared to veins. They are also under higher pressure due to the forceful contraction of the heart as it pumps blood out into the circulatory system. Because of these factors, arterial flow is less impacted by external forces such as skeletal muscle contraction. Arteries have the ability to maintain consistent blood flow even during muscle contractions, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients continue to be delivered to tissues throughout the body. In conclusion,
04

Wrap Up the Explanation

Skeletal muscle contraction has a significant effect on venous flow because it helps to push blood back towards the heart by compressing veins and taking advantage of the one-way valves present in the veins. This "muscle pump" actively assists in returning blood to the heart. In contrast, arterial flow is primarily influenced by the forceful contractions of the heart and is less susceptible to external forces such as muscle contractions. Therefore, skeletal muscle contraction affects venous flow but not arterial flow.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Match the descriptions to the blood vessel in the key. Answers may be used more than once. Key: a. venules b. veins c. capillaries d. arteries e. arterioles Take blood away from the heart

Heart valves located at the bases of the pulmonary trunk and aorta are called a. atrioventricular valves. b. semilunar valves. c. mitral valves. d. chordae tendineae.

Match the descriptions to the blood vessel in the key. Answers may be used more than once. Key: a. venules b. veins c. capillaries d. arteries e. arterioles Rate of blood flow is the slowest

What is the function of the septum in the heart? What would happen if the heart had no septum? (page 95 )

Trace the path of blood through the heart, including chambers, valves, and vessels the blood travels through. (pages \(96-97\) )
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Ecological Levels

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Biology Experiments

Read Explanation

Bioenergetics

Read Explanation

Chemistry of Life

Read Explanation

Control of Gene Expression

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free