Basis of vasoconstriction
- Appreciation of the role of G-protein mediated changes in intracellular calcium levels
- Implications of calcium-channel blocking drugs upon vasoconstriction
- Note: detailed knowledge of the vasoactive enzyme pathways is NOT required
- Its role as a source of vasoactive mediators
- Stimuli to endothelial secretion
Overview of the structure of the microcirculation
- Terminal arterioles, capillaries, lymphatic capillaries, postcapillary venules and venules
- Transcapillary exchange
- Movement of lipophilic and hydrophilic substances
- Role of tight junctions, glycocalyx and pores in determining selective passage
- Role of interstitial oncotic pressure and capillary hydrostatic pressure
- Physiological basis of the net filtration of water within a capillary bed
- Clinical effects of poor endothelial quality, low oncotic pressure and high venous pressure
- Role of lymphatics
- Range of pressures within which autoregulation occurs
- Basis of the myogenic regulatory response and the effects of local vasodilatory factors
- Role of potassium, carbon dioxide and adenosine in metabolic hyperaemia
- Effects of inflammatory mediators in altering microcirculatory dynamics (dilation)
- Special arteriolar response to hypoxia (constriction) and its basis
- Role of arteriovenous anastomoses in thermoregulation
- Contributory factors to enhanced local blood flow
- Coronary metabolic hyperaemia as the basis of high oxygen extraction
- Capillary recruitment via metabolic hyperaemia
- Role of skeletal muscle beds in generating total peripheral resistance