D4.v · Capillary Microcirculation

Official V5 objective

Describe the features of the capillary microcirculation, including mechanisms of fluid exchange and its regulatory controls.

3 SAQ topics 4 SAQ appearances 1 VIVA station

Written examination

SAQ history

4 appearances

Cell Transport — Starling Forces

2 exam appearances

2025A Q12

(a) Outline the structural features of the capillary membrane that facilitate the movement of water (15% marks). (b) Outline the mechanisms by which water moves across the capillary membrane (10% marks). (c) Describe the forces that influence fluid movement across the capillary membrane (75% marks).

34%

2018B Q16

Describe the forces that result in fluid exchange across capillary membranes.

57%

Muscle Physiology — Muscle Blood Flow

1 exam appearance

2012B Q23

Outline the mechanisms that control regional skeletal muscle blood flow.

18.2%

Regional Circulations — Autoregulation

1 exam appearance

2014A Q12

Describe autoregulation within peripheral circulations.

Oral examination

VIVA history

1 station

2011A · VIVA 8
This Viva will discuss the pharmacology and the physiology of the peripheral circulation During the reading time, candidates were also shown a figure of SNP, and were asked if they recognised it. The viva then went on to discuss the pharmacology of SNP. This was generally well done. For the latter half of the viva, candidates were tested on their knowledge of the physiology of the peripheral circulation. Areas of weakness were, the understanding of the physiology of the endothelium, substances it secretes (eg prostacyclin, EDRF and endothelin), as well knowledge of the vasomotor centre.

87% successful

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.