Question

Why doesn't arterial pressure drop to 0 mmHg in arteries during diastole?

Answer 1

The arterial pressure doesn't drop to 0 mmHg in arteries during diastole due to factors such as arterial wall compliance, peripheral resistance, and continuous blood flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

The arterial pressure doesn't drop to 0 mmHg in arteries during diastole due to several factors:

1. Compliance of the arterial walls: Arteries have elastic properties that allow them to stretch during systole and recoil during diastole. This elasticity helps to maintain a certain level of pressure in the arteries during diastole.
2. Peripheral resistance: Arterioles, the smallest branches of arteries, offer a certain amount of resistance to blood flow. This resistance prevents the arterial pressure from dropping to 0 mmHg during diastole.
3. Refilling of arterial vessels: Throughout the cardiac cycle, blood continues to empty into the arterioles at a relatively even rate. This continuous flow helps to maintain a certain level of pressure in the arteries during diastole.

Overall, the combination of arterial wall compliance, peripheral resistance, and continuous blood flow helps to ensure that the arterial pressure does not drop to 0 mmHg in arteries during diastole.