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Chapter 15: Problem 79

How does the blood flow speed at a stenosis compare with the speed in the surrounding artery? a. lower b. the same c. higher

Short Answer

Expert verified
The blood flow speed at a stenosis is higher than in the surrounding artery.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the effect of area on flow speed

In fluid dynamics, the stenosis represents a smaller cross-sectional area for blood flow. According to the Continuity Equation, if the area decreases in a fluid flow, the speed of the fluid must increase in order to keep the flow rate constant. This is an important principle to apply to the problem.
02

Apply the Continuity Equation

The Continuity Equation formula is given as: \(A_1V_1 = A_2V_2\) where \(A\) is the cross-sectional area and \(V\) is the blood flow speed. Since the area at the stenosis (\(A_2\)) is smaller than the surrounding artery (\(A_1\)), the blood flow speed at the stenosis (\(V_2\)) must be faster than that in the surrounding artery (\(V_1\)) in order to maintain a constant flow rate.
03

Interpret the result

If the area at the stenosis is smaller than the surrounding artery, then according to the Continuity Equation, the blood flow speed at stenosis has to be greater than the speed in the surrounding artery. This is to ensure that the blood flow rate (which is the product of area and speed) remains constant.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following medical problems is more likely to occur? a. An artery might collapse because of lower blood pressure at the stenosis. b. An artery might burst because of higher blood pressure at the stenosis. c. Neither; pressure at the stenosis is the same as in the surrounding artery.

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