Vascular shunt mechanism

Vascular shunt refers to the distrubution of blood around the body.

During Exercise the vascular system redistributes blood to areas with the greatest demand for oxygen away from areas with a lower demand for oxygen.

For example when exercising the blood is redistubuted to the muscles- away from the organs where the majority of the blood is at rest.

AT REST:

 Only 15-20% of blood/cardiac output is supplied to the muscles. The remaining 80-85% supplies the bodies organs eg. Liver, kidney etc.

DURING EXERCISE:

During lighter exercise increased blood supply goes to the skin in order lose heat. This decreased as intensity increases. 85% can be supplied to the working muscles as intensity increases. blood to the body organs is then decreased. Blood supply to brain is maintained.