Viscosity of a fluid is related to the internal friction of movement within the

Question

Viscosity of a fluid is related to the internal friction of movement within the fluid, along with the friction between the fluid and the wall of the vessel.   Viscosity has implications on the flow rate through a tube or vessel. Viscosity of plasma is about 1.8-times the viscosity of water at 37°C and this is due primarily to the protein content in the plasma. Whole blood (including the blood cells) has a viscosity ~ 3-times the viscosity of water. There is a condition called polycythemia that is characterized by excessive blood cell production and these individuals have blood viscosity up to 8 times that of water. How might the vasculature adapt to this problem to normalize blood flow rate? Be specific about the parameter(s) that could be modified and also quantify the magnitude of the change that would be necessary to maintain normal blood flow.

Explanation / Answer

Viscosity of a fluid is related to the internal friction of movement within the

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