IB Biology SL B3.2.3 Artery Adaptations Questions

Explore how collagen, muscle, elastic fibres and lumen size adapt arteries for high-pressure flow and smooth blood distribution in IB Biology SL B3.2.3.

Exam points

Explain how thick arterial walls and collagen provide strength and prevent rupture under high blood pressure.
Explain how elastic fibres stretch and recoil to smooth pulse pressure and maintain continuous arterial flow.
Relate smooth-muscle contraction in arteries and arterioles to regulation of blood distribution and lumen diameter.

[Maximum number: 3]

This micrograph shows a transverse section of an artery.

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Explain how the specialized structures of arteries help them to achieve their functions.

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a	arteries carry blood at high pressure;
b	rupture of arteries is prevented by thick muscular/elastic walls;
c	narrow lumen to maintain a high blood pressure;
d	elastic tissue allows artery to stretch and recoil (to even out pressures);
e	arteries have muscle layers which contract to increase/control the blood flow;
f	folding in the endothelium allows stretching OR smooth endothelium reduces friction;

IB Biology SL B3.2.3 Artery Adaptations Questions question 1