AAMC FL Practice Exam

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Study for the AAMC FL Exam. Prepare with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Gear up for your medical school entrance exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

In human physiology, what does the term "arterioles" refer to?

The smallest arteries leading to capillaries
Large blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart
Small veins that return blood to the heart
Large veins that carry blood to the heart

The correct answer is: The smallest arteries leading to capillaries

Arterioles refer to the smallest branches of arteries that lead into capillaries. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system by serving as the primary site for regulating blood flow and blood pressure. The diameter of arterioles can vary, and their constriction or dilation can significantly affect systemic vascular resistance and blood distribution to various tissues in the body. This physiological function distinguishes arterioles from larger blood vessels that transport blood directly away from the heart or return it to the heart, which are categorized as arteries and veins, respectively. Understanding the structure and function of arterioles is vital for comprehending how blood circulation is maintained and regulated in response to the body's needs.