Assignment task: Blood flowing from the heart makes its way to the internal organs and to the skin. The ultimate destination of blood is to flow to the capillary beds to promote diffusion of nutrients and gases and the bulk flow of fluids. Blood flow is slowed so this important function (diffusion) can take place.
In the space below, draw a diagram of a capillary bed or insert an UNLABELED diagram from the internet. Then label the following on your diagram and USE ARROWS to show the direction of blood flow Arteriole, Thoroughfare channel, Postcapillary venule, Precapillary sphincters, True capillaries, Metarteriole.
1. If the precapillary sphincters are contracted, by which route will blood flow?
2. What normal physiologic condition drives the movement of soluble substances between tissue fluids (interstitial fluids) and the blood?
3. What are the 2 forces that promotes the shifts of fluids at the capillary beds?
4. Which substances readily pass through the plasma membrane of the endothelial cells of the capillaries?
5. Which substances move through fluid-filled capillary clefts?