Why does blood move slower in the capillaries compared to the arterioles?
Capillaries are much wider than arterioles.
Blood pressure is much higher in capillaries than in arterioles.
There are many more capillaries than arterioles.
Precapillary sphincters close shunting blood into capillaries.



Answer :

Final answer:

Blood moves slower in capillaries than arterioles due to wider total cross-sectional area, decreased blood pressure, and vasodilation and vasoconstriction mechanisms in the precapillary sphincters.


Explanation:

Blood moves slower in the capillaries compared to the arterioles due to several factors:

  1. Total cross-sectional area: Capillaries have a much greater total cross-sectional area compared to arterioles, allowing the blood to flow through a wider channel and at a slower rate.
  2. Blood pressure: Blood pressure significantly decreases as it enters the capillaries, as capillaries have tiny diameters and numerous vessels which reduce pressure.
  3. Vasodilation and vasoconstriction: The precapillary sphincters can close, diverting blood into capillaries and regulating the distribution of blood flow.

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