Total peripheral resistance refers to the amount of force affecting resistance to blood flow throughout the circulatory system.

What is meant by total peripheral resistance?

Total peripheral resistance is defined and measured in terms of the force required to maintain blood flow from the root of the aorta to the venous exit into the auricles.

What determines total peripheral resistance?

Peripheral resistance is determined by three factors: Autonomic activity: sympathetic activity constricts peripheral arteries. Pharmacologic agents: vasoconstrictor drugs increase resistance while vasodilator drugs decrease it. Blood viscosity: increased viscosity increases resistance.