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Arterioles are the smallest vessels of the arterial system, with a diameter of about 1/3 millimeter or smaller. There is much smooth muscle in their tunica media, which causes vasocontrictionwhen it contracts, and vasodilation when it relaxes. Such vasoconstriction and vasodilation plays two important roles in the cardiovascular system.

  • controls of distribution of blood flow to different parts of the body
  • determines the total peripheral resistance
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Q: What controls the diameter of the arterioles and what do changes in diameter affect?
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