Question

Blood is transported throughout the body through both arteries and veins, but a significant difference between the two is the presence of valves in veins. Some people develop chronic venous disease (CVD), which initially causes higher venous blood pressure and vein dilation, resulting in weakened vein valves. What do you predict would happen as the valve damage progresses?
A. Blood flow would increase through the veins since the blood would not be impeded by valves.
B. Blood would leak backwards through the damaged valves due to gravity, causing lower leg swelling.
C. Veins would carry a both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood away from the legs, causing oxygen deficiency.
D. Veins would thicken and constrict, causing a restriction in blood flow, and leading to arterial leakage.

Answer 1

Answer: B. Blood would leak backwards through the damaged valves due to gravity, causing lower leg swelling.

Explanation:

The human heart consists of four chambers that are two atria and two ventricles. The valves helps in the unidirectional flow of blood from the upper chambers to the lower chambers. They prevent the backward flow of blood. There are four heart valves :

1. tricuspid valve: it lies between the right atrium and right ventricles.

2. mitral valve: it lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle.

3. pulmonary valve: it lies between the right ventricles and the pulmonary artery.

4. aortic valve: it lies between the left ventricle and the aorta.

According to the given situation if the valve get damaged Blood would leak backwards through the damaged valves due to gravity, causing lower leg swelling is the relevant option.