Question

The human circulation system has approximately 1×109 capillary vessels. Each vessel has a diameter of about 8μm. Assuming cardiac output is 5 L/min, determine the average velocity of blood flow through each capillary vessel.

(a) 12.5 cm/s
(b) 6.3 cm/s
(c) 9.4 cm/s
(d) 15.7 cm/s

Answer 1

The average velocity of blood flow through each capillary vessel is 9.4 cm/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the average velocity of blood flow through each capillary vessel, we can use the equation:

v = Q/A

Where v is the average velocity, Q is the cardiac output, and A is the cross-sectional area of the vessel.

The cross-sectional area of a capillary vessel can be calculated using the equation:

A = πr^2

Substituting the given values, we have:

A = π(8μm/2)^2 = π(4μm)^2 = 16πμm^2

Now we can calculate the average velocity:

v = (5 L/min) / (16πμm^2) = (5 L/min) / (16π x 10^-12 m^2) = 9.4 cm/s

Therefore, the average velocity of blood flow through each capillary vessel is 9.4 cm/s.