Chapter 7:8 Circulatory System Flashcards

Circulatory System Vocabulary

• Vein: Blood vessel transporting blood back to the heart.
• Aortic Valve: Located between the left ventricle and the aorta; regulates blood flow.
• Myocardium: Muscular middle layer of the heart responsible for contraction.
• Pericardium: Double-layered membrane encasing the heart, protecting it.
• Thrombocyte: Blood cell essential for the clotting mechanism.
• Artery: Blood vessel conveying blood away from the heart.
• Septum: Muscular wall separating the heart into right and left sides.
• Hemoglobin: Complex protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Ventricle: Lower chamber of the heart, involved in pumping blood.
• Endocardium: Smooth cell layer lining the heart's interior.

Heart Function and Structure

• Pulmonary Valve: Valve located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, facilitating blood flow to the lungs.
• Atrium: Upper chamber of the heart, receiving blood from the body or lungs.
• Erythrocyte: Red blood cell responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Diastole: Phase in the cardiac cycle where the heart rests, leading to the closing of the aortic valve.
• Plasma: Fluid component of blood, containing various dissolved substances.
• Capillary: Small blood vessel connecting arterioles and venules, site of nutrient and gas exchange.
• Mitral Valve: Valve between the left atrium and left ventricle, controlling blood flow.
• Leukocyte: White blood cell important for immune defense against infections.

Cardiac Cycle Insights

• Systole: Phase of ventricular contraction where blood is ejected into the pulmonary artery and aorta.
• Conductive Pathway: Includes SA node, AV node, and Purkinje fibers; responsible for transmitting electrical impulses through the heart.
• Arrhythmia: Irregular heart rhythm diagnosed via cardiac monitors and electrocardiograms.

Blood Vessels and Functions

• Arteries: Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart; they are the most muscular and elastic vessels.
• Veins: Blood vessels that return blood to the heart; contain valves to prevent back flow.
• Capillaries: Facilitate exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.
• Aorta: The body’s largest artery, distributing oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation.
• Superior and Inferior Vena Cava: Two largest veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Blood Components and Disorders

• Substances Transported by Blood: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, waste products, and hormones.
• Substances in Plasma: Blood proteins, minerals, gases, and hormones.
• Hemoglobin's Role: Gives blood its red color; crucial for oxygen transport.
• Phagocytosis: Process utilized by neutrophils and monocytes to engulf pathogens.
• Lymphocytes: White blood cells that synthesize antibodies, providing immunity.
• Eosinophils: White blood cells involved in combating allergic reactions and parasitic infections.
• Basophils: Produce substances like histamine and heparin aiding in inflammatory responses.

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Aneurysm: Sac-like structure formed on an artery wall.
• Anemias: Condition caused by insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• Varicose Veins: Enlarged, swollen veins often resulting from valve failure.
• Atherosclerosis: Disease involving fatty deposits in artery walls.
• Hemophilia: Genetic disorder affecting blood's ability to clot.
• Hypertension: Condition characterized by elevated blood pressure.
• Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of veins accompanied by clot formation.
• Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack due to blockage in coronary arteries.
• Embolus: An obstruction in the bloodstream caused by foreign matter.
• Leukemia: Malignant blood condition with a surplus of immature white blood cells.