Autoregulation is the adjustment of blood flow to tissues in proportion to their needs at any given moment. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Applicable
• D. Sometimes True

Answer: (A)

Autoregulation is the local control of a tissue’s blood flow so that it matches the tissue’s metabolic needs within a range of pressures. When a tissue is more active and needs more oxygen and nutrients, local vessels dilate in response to metabolic signals (like increased CO2, decreased O2, lower pH, adenosine, and other factors). This raises blood flow to meet that heightened demand. When activity decreases, vessels tend to constrict, reducing flow. The goal is to keep perfusion appropriate for moment-to-moment needs, even as arterial pressure changes, within the autoregulatory range. So the statement is true.