Exercise 21:  Anatomy of the Blood Vessels (Histology)

Activity 21.1:  Examining the Microscopic Structure of the Blood Vessels

Follow the instructions as outlined in your lab manual.  Identify the three layers of the wall of an artery and vein.  Also, be able to distinguish an artery from a vein.  There will also be a demonstration slide of a diseased artery and a valve inside a vein.  You will need a microscope and prepared slides showing arteries and veins in cross section.

Structures to Know:

Tunica externa (adventitia) -

Tunica media -

Tunica intima -

Related Terms to Know:

Vasoconstriction – vessel diameter decreases due to increased smooth muscle contractions within the tunica media

Vasodilation – vessel diameter increases due to relaxation of smooth muscle within the tunica media

Peripheral resistance – resistance to blood flow in the arterioles

Atherosclerosis – fatty deposits which accumulate in the tunica intima of arteries

CAD – coronary artery disease, caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries

Q:  Can you remember what division of the autonomic nervous system controls the diameter of the blood vessels?

Last Updated:   01/02/07