Which of the following is most easily changed to alter resistance?

a. vessel length

b. blood viscosity

c. vessel diameter

d. temperature

Answer is C.

Explanation:

A. The vessel length is pretty much constant. The body can't length or shorten blood vessels.

B. Blood viscosity is also fairly constant because the composition of blood cannot change quickly enough to change resistance as needed.

C. This is the main way resistance is controlled. The smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels can rapidly respond to hormonal or metabolic stimuli and contract/relax to adjust diameter.

D. Again, temperature is fairly constant in the body and would not be a good way to alter resistance.