Blood through the vessels of the human body moves continuously. The heart, due to its structure, clearly divides it into arterial and venous. They should not normally mix. Sometimes difficult situations arise, for example, when bleeding or fluid is taken from a vessel, in which it is necessary to accurately determine its type. This article will tell you how arterial blood differs from venous blood. And it's worth starting with anatomy.
The structure of the circulatory system
The four-chamber structure of the heart contributes to the differentiation of arterial and venous fluid. Thus, they do not mix, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
There are 2 circles of blood circulation: small and large. Thanks to the first, blood passes through the capillaries of the lungs, is enriched with oxygen in the alveoli, becoming arterial. Then she goes to the heart, which withusing the powerful walls of the left ventricle, it pushes it into a large circle through the aorta.
After the tissues of the body have taken all the nutrients from the capillaries, the blood becomes venous and returns to the heart through the same-named vessels of the large circle, which directs it through the pulmonary arteries to the small one to saturate it with oxygen again.
So what is the difference between arterial and venous blood? What are their characteristics?
Arterial
First of all, this species differs from the other in composition. The main function of blood is to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues. The process takes place in capillaries - the smallest vessels. Cells give off carbon dioxide in exchange for oxygen.
In addition to the most important chemical element for all living things, such blood is rich in nutrients that are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enter the venous. Further, her path is blocked by the liver. All substances from the gastrointestinal tract must be filtered. Dangerous and poisonous ones remain there, and pure venous blood gets the right to pass through the lungs and be transformed into arterial blood. It delivers nutrients to the organ cells that need nutrition.
Another distinctive feature of this type of blood is the color. It has a bright scarlet color. The reason is hemoglobin. It has a different composition. So what is the difference between hemoglobin in arterial and venous blood? This is a special protein that can carry oxygen. Connecting with it gives the liquid a bright scarlet color.
MoreOne important feature that distinguishes arterial blood from venous blood is the nature of movement through the vessels. This directly depends on the force with which it is expelled from the heart into a large circle, as well as on the structure of the wall of the arteries. They are strong and elastic. Therefore, in case of injury, the contents of the vessel pour out in a strong pulsating jet.
Compressing arteries using soft tissue is very difficult. Therefore, to stop blood loss, there are points where the vessels adjoin as close as possible to the bone structures. It is necessary to press the artery firmly against the bone structure above the injury site, since the arteries carry blood from top to bottom. It must be remembered that most arteries are deep, and it takes a lot of effort to clamp them.
Venous
This species has a darker, deeper burgundy color with a slight bluish tint. This color is due to hemoglobin. Arterial to the maximum gave oxygen to the tissues of the body. But a holy place is never empty. Therefore, venous blood differs from arterial blood by the presence of another substance in hemoglobin - carbon dioxide. This is how carboxyhemoglobin is formed. It just colors the substance in a dark red hue.
After the transfer of nutrients, the tissues give up their metabolic products, which must be removed from the body. These substances include urea, creatinine, uric acid and others. Due to their high content compared to arterial blood, it is venous blood that is used in laboratory studies for the qualitative determination of one or another indicator.
Venous blooddiffers from the arterial one in that it will flow more systematically if the vessel is damaged. It is much easier to stop this type of bleeding, especially with superficial trauma. It is enough to apply a pressure bandage. This difference in movement through the vessels is explained by the structure of the vein wall. It is very pliable and can be easily pressed against soft tissues such as muscles.
Meaning
Due to their differences, opposite characteristics, arterial and venous blood provide internal constancy of the body - homeostasis. For full he alth, you need to keep yourself in good shape and maintain complete balance. Otherwise, if any deviations appear, the state will be disturbed and the person will fall ill.
What is the difference between arterial and venous blood? After reading the article, such a question should not bother a person. Based on the knowledge gained, you can easily determine the type of bleeding and save more than one life.
