Hypoxic Vasoconstriction

  • When an area of the lung is hypoxic, or there is impairment in the oxygen delivery:
    • The lung tries to optimize ventilation and perfusion ratio (V/Q matching):
      • By means of hypoxic vasoconstriction:
        • In this picture below, the cluster of alveoli is not receiving oxygen:
          • Therefore:
            • The arterioles leading to the alveoli constrict:
              • Diverting blood away from this under-ventilated area:
                • In an effort to improve oxygenation
Hypoxic Vasoconstriction

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