Question

Arterial anastomoses analysis: What effect did compression of each artery have on the finger pulse? What do you conclude from your results?

Answer 1

Compression of an artery during an arterial anastomosis analysis usually results in a decreased or absent finger pulse, indicating limited flow to the monitored area. Variables affecting arterial blood flow and blood pressure include cardiac output, vascular resistance, blood volume, viscosity, and vessel elasticity. Factors affecting the venous system's blood flow involve the muscular and respiratory pumps, venous valves, tone, and gravity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compression of each artery during an arterial anastomoses analysis will likely result in decreased or absent finger pulse because the occlusion prevents blood from flowing through the compressed artery to the area being monitored. This outcome can lead to a conclusion that the area where the pulse is being measured is predominantly supplied by the artery that has been compressed, and also indicates the extent of collateral blood flow or anastomosis around the area.

When discussing variables affecting arterial blood flow and blood pressure, five main factors can be identified:

1. Cardiac output - the amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute.
2. Vascular resistance - the resistance within the arterial system that must be overcome to push the blood through.
3. Blood volume - the amount of circulating blood within the body.
4. Blood viscosity - the thickness and stickiness of blood, which affects flow.
5. Vessel elasticity - the ability of blood vessels to expand and contract with pressure changes.

Factors affecting blood flow in the venous system include:

• Muscular activity and the skeletal muscle pump - promoting venous return to the heart.
• Respiratory pump - changes in thoracic and abdominal pressures during breathing aid venous return.
• Venous valves - ensuring one-way blood flow toward the heart.
• Vascular tone - the degree of constriction of veins affecting capacity and resistance.
• Gravity - influencing blood flow depending on body position.

For a major artery branching into smaller arteries, continuity equation and Principle of Conservation of Mass suggest that the total cross-sectional area increases, which would decrease the velocity of the blood.