]> 2026-07-31T12:14:17+00:00 WBR0865 0 en A This response represents an exxagerated normal response in tissues. It is usually not seen in physiologic situations. B This response represents the normal tissue response seen in most vascular beds except in the lung. C This is not a physiologic response pattern to oxygen variation. D This is not a physiologic response pattern to oxygen variation. E This represents the typical response of the pulmonary vascular bed to oxygen variation. The pulmonary vasculature is peculiar in its response to hypoxia. Where hypoxia typically causes vasodialtion to increase tissue perfusion, alveolar hypoxia in the lungs causes local vasoconstriction. This physiologic mechanism is thought to be an adaptive process that decreases perfusion of the hypoventilated areas and shunts blood towards better perfused alveoli. This mechanism is the basis behind several disease processes including RVH in the context of chronic hypoxia where the latter leads to vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension.<br/> '''Educational Objective:''' The pulmonary vasculature reacts to hypoxia by vasoconstriction to shunt blood to better perfused areas on the lung.<br/> '''References:''' Moudgil R, Michelakis ED, Archer SL. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. J Appl Physiol. 2005;98(1):390-403. Physiology E Pulmonology 2020-10-28T01:55:28Z 2459150.5801852 WBR0865