The aim of this assignment is to describe the physiology of blood pressure maintenance in the healthy individual.
Blood pressure can be explained as 'the force exerted by blood against the walls of the vessels in which it is contained' (Marieb & Hoehn, 2007, p.148). Blood is pumped around the body by the heart. Blood that is low in oxygen is pumped towards the lungs, where it will acquire more oxygen. Blood that is high in oxygen is pumped around the body to be used by the muscles and cells (NHS choices, 2008).
