During exercise, cardiac output increases dramatically, but mean arterial blood pressure rises very little. Why is this so?
A) Venules constrict, increasing vascular resistance.
B) Arterioles dilate, decreasing vascular capacity.
C) Arterioles constrict, increasing vascular resistance.
D) Muscle vessels dilate, increasing vascular capacity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For example, when exercising, the circulating blood volume undergoes a relative increase, but blood pressure remains near normal. This is because the skeletal muscle vascular beds dilate, causing a large increase in system capacity.

During Exercise, Cardiac Output Increases Dramatically, but Mean Arterial Blood