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Chapter 3.15 Blood Flow through Viscera, Muscles and Skin

BOOK TITLE: Understanding Medical Physiology: A Textbook for Medical Students

Author
1. Bijlani R.L.
ISBN
9788180612213
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10999_30
Edition
3/e
Publishing Year
2004
Pages
6
Author Affiliations
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Chapter keywords
circulatory unit, portal circulation, hydrostatic pressure, precapillary sphincters, autoregulatory mechanism, hepatic arterial flow, gastrointestinal hormones, mononuclear phagocytic system, vasodilation, metabolic activity, corticomedullary junction, fenestrated capillaries, protective mechanism, temperature regulation

Abstract

This chapter discusses blood flow through viscera, muscles and skin, where circulation through liver, intestine and spleen is known as splanchnic circulation. The liver receives blood from two sources and these two sources of blood supply mix in the distal portion of the hepatic sinusoids. Both the hepatic artery and portal vein are richly innervated by sympathetic vasoconstrictor noradrenergic fibers. Intestines receive a rich blood supply from superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, which anastomose extensively. Mesenteric blood vessels are supplied by sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerves. Spleen acts as a reservoir of blood. The metabolites increase capillary permeability leading to an increase in interstitial fluid. The vasculature of skin shows extensive arteriovenous anastomotic channels. The afferent impulse that continues towards the central nervous system is responsible for the sensation of pain. Axon reflex is the only reflex in the body, the pathway of which does not involve the central nervous system.

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