Question

question 80 (0.5 points)
arteriolar dilation causes ______________.

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• no change in blood flow to a capillary bed.
• decreased blood flow to a capillary bed.
• increased blood flow to a capillary bed.

Explanation:

Arteriolar dilation means the arterioles (small arteries) widen. According to the principles of blood flow and vascular resistance, when arterioles dilate, the vascular resistance decreases. Blood flow ($Q$) is related to pressure difference ($\Delta P$) and resistance ($R$) by the formula $Q=\frac{\Delta P}{R}$. If resistance ($R$) decreases (due to dilation) and the pressure difference (driving force) remains relatively constant, blood flow to the capillary bed (downstream of arterioles) increases. High blood pressure is caused by increased resistance or increased blood volume, not dilation. Dilation would not cause no change or decreased flow as it lowers resistance, allowing more blood to pass.

Answer:

D. increased blood flow to a capillary bed.