The purpose of this question is to investigate the implications of Fig. 3.16. Specifically, we wish to
Question:
The purpose of this question is to investigate the implications of Fig. 3.16. Specifically, we wish to determine how the feed reservoir hematocrit changes as a function of time in the experiment shown in Fig. 3.14. Suppose that at time zero the total blood volume in the feed reservoir is V0, and that the feed reservoir hematocrit is HF,0. Further, suppose that blood is pumped from the feed reservoir through a capillary at a constant volumetric flow rate Q.
(a) Show that the feed reservoir hematocrit changes with time, t, according to the equation
where HR is the tube relative hematocrit. Hint: start from the statement
where VRBC is the volume of red cells in the feed reservoir, and Vp is the volume of plasma in the reservoir.
(b) Integration of the above equation shows that the hematocrit eventually approaches 100% in the feed reservoir. Why does this not occur in the circulatory system: that is, why does the red cell count not increase to something close to 100% at the entrance to the capillaries? You do not need to use any mathematics; a description in words (plus a simple sketch if you prefer) will do the job.
Expert Answer:
As the blood flame from the arteriales into The Capillaries a change in pressure occurs Jy Order t... View the full answer
