Which of the following would decrease total peripheral resistance to blood flow?

a.) decreasing the hematocrit

b.) increasing blood vessel length

c.) vasoconstriction

d.) atherosclerosis

a) decreasing the hematocrit

Explanation:

Hematocrit measures the proportion of the the blood made up of the RBCs (Red blood cells). RBC's carry oxygen from lungs to different tissues of the body. Lowering of red blood cells results in the reduction of blood viscosity causing the decrease in the peripheral resistance to blood flow. When red blood cells decrease abnormally it leads to anemia. However the increase in red blood cells will cause polycethemia. Both of theses disorders are life threatening diseases.

A

Explanation:

Decrease the hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test done to measure the red blood cells in a person's blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen through your body. A low or high red blood cell count can indicate a medical condition or disease.

If the red blood cells are lowered what will occur is the reduction of blood viscosity forcing the decrease in the peripheral resistance to blood flow. A low red blood cell count, or low hematocrit, indicates anemia.