Multiple choice

In high mountain regions bleeding through nose occurs because -

  1. The pressure of the blood in capillaries is higher than the outside air pressure

  2. The air pressure at high altitudes is greater than that of the plains

  3. The blood pressure increases at high altitude

  4. The blood pressure fluctuates and causes the blood vessels to break
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

At high altitudes, atmospheric pressure drops significantly while blood pressure remains relatively constant. This pressure differential causes the blood pressure in capillaries to exceed the external air pressure, making delicate nasal capillaries more prone to rupture and bleeding. Option B is incorrect because air pressure decreases, not increases, at higher altitudes. Option C is misleading - blood pressure doesn't inherently increase, but the pressure differential becomes more significant.

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