A shift of posture from supine to upright posture is associated with cardiovascular adjustments. Which is not true in this context
**Question:** A shift of posture from supine to upright posture is associated with cardiovascular adjustments. Which is not true in this context?
A. Increased cardiac output and stroke volume due to the Frank-Starling mechanism
B. Reduced venous return to the heart due to decreased venous valves in the upright position
C. Increased systemic vascular resistance due to the reflex response to maintain blood pressure
D. Decreased cardiac output and stroke volume due to the reflex response to maintain blood pressure
**Correct Answer:** D. Decreased cardiac output and stroke volume due to the reflex response to maintain blood pressure
**Core Concept:** When a person changes from a supine to upright posture, the cardiovascular system undergoes several adjustments to counteract the effects of gravity on blood flow and distribution. The body responds to maintain blood pressure and adequate tissue perfusion.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Upon standing, the blood volume in the lower limbs decreases due to hydrostatic pressure differences between the supine and standing positions. This leads to a decrease in cardiac output and stroke volume as the heart and blood vessels adapt to this change. The Frank-Starling mechanism, a negative inotropic response, enables the heart to pump more efficiently with less force, thereby reducing cardiac output and stroke volume.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Increased cardiac output and stroke volume due to the Frank-Starling mechanism is incorrect because, as explained above, the Frank-Starling mechanism results in a decrease in cardiac output and stroke volume upon standing.
B. Reduced venous return to the heart due to decreased venous valves in the upright position is incorrect because the venous valves are indeed less effective in the upright position, but this does not directly counteract the decrease in cardiac output and stroke volume. Instead, the cardiac adjustments mentioned above are responsible for maintaining blood pressure and tissue perfusion in the upright position.
C. Increased systemic vascular resistance due to the reflex response is correct because the body increases systemic vascular resistance to counteract the decreased venous return and maintain blood pressure in the upright position. This helps to prevent pooling of blood in the lower limbs.
D. Decreased cardiac output and stroke volume due to the reflex response is incorrect because the reflex response actually helps to maintain blood pressure and tissue perfusion in the upright position. The decrease in cardiac output and stroke volume is a result of the Frank-Starling mechanism, not the reflex response.
**Clinical Pearl:**
In the context of altered posture, the reflex response is crucial in maintaining blood pressure and tissue perfusion by increasing systemic vascular resistance, rather than decreasing cardiac output and stroke volume. This adaptive mechanism ensures adequate perfusion to vital organs in the upright position.