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physiology math question Two tributaries (identified here as A and B) of equal l

ID: 59109 • Letter: P

Question

physiology math question Two tributaries (identified here as A and B) of equal length exit the aorta at the same distance from the heart, so that the blood pressure at the entrances to the two tributaries is identical. The radius of tributary A is 1.5 times that of tributary B, while all other blood parameters are identical. What is the predicted relative blood flow (that is, volume flow) in tributary A compared with that in tributary B? The volume flow through tributary A is times greater/smaller (circle the correct relationship) than the flow through tributary B.

Explanation / Answer

The flow rate or volume flow is dependent on length, radius and many factors.

The velocity (speed) of blood flow (expressed as cm/sec) can generally be considered to be inversely related to the vascular cross-sectional area, such that velocity is slowest where the total cross-sectional area is largest.

So, The volume flow through tributary A is smaller than the flow through tributary B.