The blood flow rate through the aorta is measured to be 104.1 cm^3/s, and an adult is measured to have 4.93 L of blood. How long does it take for all of your blood to pass through the aorta?

If the adult's aorta has a diamter of 1.85 cm, what is the speed of blood as it flows through the aorta?

a) time t = 47.4s

b) speed v = 38.7cm/s

Explanation:

Given:

Total volume of blood = 4.93L * 1000cm^3/L = 4930cm^3

Volumetric rate of flow = 104.1cm^3/s

a) Time taken for all the blood to pass through the aorta is:

Time t = total volume / volumetric rate

t = 4930/104.1

t = 47.4s

b) Given that the diameter of the aorta is 1.85cm.

V = Av

Where V = Volumetric rate

A = area of aorta

v = speed of blood

v = V/A ... 1

Area of a circular aorta = πr^2 = (πd^2) / 4

d = 1.85cm

A = (π*1.85^2) / 4

A = 2.69cm^2

From equation 1.

v = V/A = 104.1/2.69

v = 38.7 cm/s