Windkessel effect

As Windkessel effect or biological Windkessel function is called in the physiology of the pressure equalization through the elasticity of the arteries near the heart (especially the aorta ). This strong pressure difference ( due to contraction of the heart muscle phase of the blood is ejected ) and diastole between systole is reduced (relaxation of the heart muscle ).

Thereby, the volume of the aortic arch increases - at the same time, the wall voltage is increased by increasing the diameter. In this way, some of the energy from the heart work is saved and implemented after closure of the aortic valve by drainage from the aortic arch to work against the vascular resistance and kinetic energy. The strength of the pulse and the blood stream (through the short-term storage of blood) should be harmonized. This means that the originally present near the heart pressure is reduced to the extent that it causes no damage to the capillaries and the bloodstream at a relatively constant flow.

Although the effect of air chamber is very low - on a young adult to correspond only to a change in volume of about 40 ml - it plays an important role in maintaining the blood pressure. In addition, the time required for dilatation of the arteries work of the heart is an essential component of afterload.

The concept of the surge tank goes back to different pump types ( plunger pump, hydraulic ram ) for liquids in which pressure pulses was recorded in rigid-walled vessels by compression of a large air bubble and so continuous delivery was achieved.

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