Cardiovascular System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the circulatory system?

The circulatory system pumps blood from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. The heart then sends oxygenated blood through arteries to the rest of the body. The veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart to start the circulation process over.

The heart is a muscular organ located in the abdominal cavity.

False

What are the four chambers of the heart?

Two atria and two ventricles (correct)

One atrium and two ventricles

One atrium and one ventricle

Two atria and one ventricle

Which of the following is the largest artery in the body?

Aorta Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of capillaries?

Capillaries connect very small arteries (arterioles) and veins (venules). They have thin walls that allow oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products to pass into and out of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of blood?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of red blood cells in the body?

Red blood cells carry oxygen to where it is needed in the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of white blood cells?

White blood cells fight infection and disease by destroying bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of platelets in the body?

Form blood clots Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pH range of blood?

7.35 - 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

Where is the heart located in the body?

The heart is located in the chest, slightly to the left of the center. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the heart not symmetrical?

The heart is not symmetrical because the left ventricle is larger and thicker than the right ventricle. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of cardiovascular disease?

The two types of cardiovascular disease are heart disease and vascular disease. Signup and view all the answers

What causes coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, called coronary arteries. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for myocardial infarction?

Myocardial infarction is also known as a heart attack. Signup and view all the answers

What is carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits clog the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head, called carotid arteries. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of one of the main arteries in your lungs, often caused by a blood clot. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cardiovascular System Overview

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, pumps blood from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
Oxygenated blood is then pumped through arteries to the rest of the body.
Deoxygenated blood is carried back to the heart by veins to restart the process.

The Heart

The heart is a muscular organ located in the thoracic cavity, responsible for pumping blood.
It consists of four chambers: two atria and two ventricles.
The heart is divided into a left and right side by the interventricular and interatrial septum. Each side has one atrium and one ventricle.

Blood Vessels

Arteries: Thick-walled tubes that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.
- The aorta is the largest artery, branching into smaller arteries (arterioles).
- Arteries eventually branch into capillaries.
Veins: Thinner-walled tubes that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
- Two main veins, superior and inferior vena cava, carry blood back to the heart.
- Veins have valves to prevent backflow.
Capillaries: Microscopic blood vessels that connect arterioles and venules.
- Thin walls allow for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between blood and body cells.

Blood

Blood is a constantly circulating fluid that provides nutrients and oxygen to, and removes waste from, all parts of the body.
It's primarily liquid, with cells and proteins suspended in it.
The average person has about 5 liters of blood.
Blood contains plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Blood Components Summary

Component	Features	Function (Rest)	Function (Exercise)
Plasma	90% water, 55% of blood volume	Suspends and carries other cells	Passes fluid from blood to body tissues
Red Blood Cells (RBCs)	99% of blood cells	Carry oxygen	Carry carbon dioxide and metabolic byproducts away from muscles
White Blood Cells (WBCs)	1 WBC:700 RBCs, larger than RBCs	Fight infection and disease by destroying bacteria	Increased activity- keep athletes healthy
Platelets	1 platelet: 700 RBCs, very small	Form blood clots at damaged tissue to prevent infection and blood loss	Prevent bleeding when muscle tissue is damaged during exercise

Blood Properties

Color: Dark purple (deoxygenated), red (oxygenated).
Viscosity: Determined by plasma and formed elements.
Amount: Approximately 5 liters.
pH: Neutral pH, between 7.35 and 7.45.

Heart Location

The heart is located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs.

Cardiovascular Disease

Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque buildup in the arteries supplying the heart.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Blockage of blood supply to part of the heart muscle, typically by a piece of fatty material.
Carotid Artery Disease: Fatty deposits (plaque) block the blood vessels supplying the brain.
Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in a main artery in the lungs, often caused by deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot).

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Description

Explore the essentials of the cardiovascular system, including the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and the circulation process. This quiz covers key concepts related to how blood flows throughout the body and the roles of arteries and veins in maintaining circulation.