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GATE 2024 BM – Question 51

Mammalian Cell Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology · Circulatory System · 2 marks · Numerical answer

Total vessel cross-sectional areas in cm² are aorta 4.5,arteries 20,arterioles 400,capillaries 4500,venules 40,veins 15. Aortic blood speed is 30 cm/s. Estimate transit time through a 0.5 mm capillary, in seconds to two decimals.

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Correct answer: 1.60 to 1.70

Explanation

Flow conservation gives capillary average speed=30×4.5/4500=0.03 cm/s. Capillary length is 0.5 mm=0.05 cm. Transit time is length/speed=0.05/0.03≈1.6667 seconds, rounded to 1.67. The relevant areas are total areas over each parallel vessel class.

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