Remember that the coronary sinus also returns blood to the right atrium. Figure 46.6 illustrates the cardiac cycle . Be familiar with the various components of the cycle. Be familiar with the general structures of the arteries and veins as well as their relationships with arterioles, venules, and capillary beds. Also note the changes in velocity, blood pressure, and cross sectional area that occur in each part of the vascular system.
Capillary dynamics are critical for exchange of nutrients and wastes in the tissues.
Be familiar with these as illustrated in Figure 46.13. The pressure at the arteriole end of the capillary bed will force solutes, proteins, and fluids out of the blood. The blood osmotic pressure at the venule end of the capillary bed will draw solutes and fluids back into the blood. The net outward pressure is greater than the net inward pressure and excess proteins and fluids remain in the tissues. The lymphatic system is a separate network of capillaries and ducts that resorbs the excess proteins and fluids and eventually returns them to the blood.