During vasoconstriction, what happens to the lumen?

Study for the Anatomy and Physiology CFE Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to enhance your understanding. Prepare efficiently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

During vasoconstriction, what happens to the lumen?

Explanation:
When arterioles constrict, the smooth muscle in their walls contracts, making the interior opening (the lumen) smaller. This narrowing increases resistance to blood flow, so flow through that vessel tends to decrease unless the driving pressure rises. Blood viscosity isn’t changed by this process, and vasoconstriction doesn’t increase overall flow. So the lumen size decreases.

When arterioles constrict, the smooth muscle in their walls contracts, making the interior opening (the lumen) smaller. This narrowing increases resistance to blood flow, so flow through that vessel tends to decrease unless the driving pressure rises. Blood viscosity isn’t changed by this process, and vasoconstriction doesn’t increase overall flow. So the lumen size decreases.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy