Explain autoregulation of blood pressure and blood flow
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "autoregulation blood" to get these possible sources:
http://www.cvphysiology.com/Blood%20Flow/BF004.htm
http://depts.washington.edu/uwtcdlab/autoreg.html
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-06/mc-bpv062706.php
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:yWOzTmZOY2kJ:www.nil.wustl.edu/labs/raichle/MER_papers/17_The%2520Role%2520of%2520the%2520Peripheral%2520Sympathetic%2520Nervous%2520System%2520in%2520Cerebral%2520Blood%2520Flow%2520Autoregulation.pdf+autoregulation+blood&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=11&client=safari
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Autoregulation of blood pressure and blood flow is a mechanism within the body that helps to maintain a constant flow of blood to the organs, even when there are changes in blood pressure.
When blood pressure increases, the blood vessels will constrict in order to maintain a constant flow of blood. Conversely, when blood pressure decreases, the blood vessels will dilate to increase blood flow.
The autoregulation of blood pressure and blood flow is controlled by various mechanisms, including myogenic regulation and metabolic regulation.
Myogenic regulation is primarily responsible for the immediate response to changes in blood pressure. It occurs due to the stretching or contraction of the smooth muscles within the blood vessels. When blood pressure increases, the smooth muscles constrict, reducing the diameter of the blood vessels and maintaining a constant flow of blood. On the other hand, when blood pressure decreases, the smooth muscles relax, dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow.
Metabolic regulation is a type of autoregulation that occurs over a longer period of time. It is mainly influenced by the metabolic needs of the organs. When the metabolic needs of an organ increase, such as during exercise, the blood vessels supplying that organ will dilate to increase blood flow and deliver more oxygen and nutrients. Conversely, when the metabolic needs decrease, the blood vessels will constrict to decrease blood flow.
Overall, autoregulation of blood pressure and blood flow helps to ensure that each organ receives an adequate supply of blood, regardless of changes in blood pressure. It is a vital mechanism for maintaining homeostasis within the body.