Windkessel effect

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In physiology, the pressure equalization through the elasticity of the arteries close to the heart (especially the aorta ) is referred to as the wind kettle effect or biological wind kettle function . This reduces the strong pressure difference between systole (phase of blood ejection due to contraction of the heart muscle ) and diastole (relaxation of the heart muscle). The arteries close to the heart have a high proportion of elastic fibers in their wall (arteries of the elastic type), which give them a macroscopic yellowish color.

The volume of the aortic arch increases  - at the same time, the wall tension increases by increasing the diameter. In this way, part of the energy from the work of the heart is stored and, after the aortic valve has closed, is converted into work against the vascular resistance and kinetic energy through outflow from the aortic arch. The strength of the pulse and the blood flow (through the short-term storage of blood ) are harmonized, that is, the pressure fluctuations are softened and the blood flow becomes a relatively constant flow. A young adult will have about 35 ml, around half the normal stroke volume, cached. The Windkessel effect plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure . In addition, the work of the heart required to expand the arteries is an essential part of the afterload .

The concept of wind boiler goes to different piston pump types ( plunger pump , hydraulic ram ) for liquids back, in which pressure surges by compression in a large rigid-walled vessels bubble was recorded and thus a uniform delivery was achieved.

literature

  1. ^ Johannes W. Rohen, Elke Lütjen-Drecoll: Functional anatomy of humans: textbook of macroscopic anatomy according to functional aspects . Schattauer Verlag, 2006, ISBN 9783794524402 , p. 160.
  2. a b Hamid Abdolvahab-Emminger: Physikum exact: the entire examination knowledge for the 1st ÄP , Georg Thieme Verlag, 2005, ISBN 9783131070340 , p. 489.