How Do Arterioles Control Blood Pressure?

Arterioles have the most increase in resistance and cause the largest decrease in blood pressure. The constriction of arterioles increases resistance, which causes a decrease in blood flow to downstream capillaries and a larger decrease in blood pressure.

How do arteries help regulate blood pressure?

Arteries control blood pressure by balancing two processes: one that constricts the artery wall and another that relaxes it. But in people at risk of developing high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, there is more constriction, impeding the free flow of blood, which increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.

How do arterioles work?

Arteries transport blood away from the heart and branch into smaller vessels, forming arterioles. Arterioles distribute blood to capillary beds, the sites of exchange with the body tissues. Capillaries lead back to small vessels known as venules that flow into the larger veins and eventually back to the heart.