Circulatory System and Blood Pressure

Study Notes

Circulation

Blood Circulation Pathway:
- Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through the superior and inferior vena cavae
- Blood is pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide
- Oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins
- Blood is pumped to the rest of the body through the aorta
Blood Pressure:
- Measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury)
- Normal blood pressure: 90-120 mmHg (systolic) and 60-80 mmHg (diastolic)
- Blood pressure regulation: baroreceptors, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction

Types

Blood Types:
- ABO blood group system:
  - A (A antigen on red blood cells)
  - B (B antigen on red blood cells)
  - AB (both A and B antigens on red blood cells)
  - O (neither A nor B antigen on red blood cells)
- Rh blood type:
  - Rh positive (Rh antigen present on red blood cells)
  - Rh negative (Rh antigen absent on red blood cells)
Rare Blood Types:
- Bombay blood group (hh antigen)
- Vel blood group (Vel antigen)

Transfusions

Blood Transfusion:
- Transfer of blood or blood products from a donor to a recipient
- Types of blood transfusions:
  - Whole blood transfusion
  - Packed red blood cell transfusion
  - Platelet transfusion
  - Fresh frozen plasma transfusion
Blood Compatibility:
- ABO compatibility: recipient's blood must be compatible with the donor's blood type
- Cross-matching: testing for compatibility between donor and recipient blood

Circulation

Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through the superior and inferior vena cavae
Blood is pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide
Oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins
Blood is pumped to the rest of the body through the aorta

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury)
Normal blood pressure ranges from 90-120 mmHg (systolic) and 60-80 mmHg (diastolic)
Blood pressure is regulated by baroreceptors, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction

Blood Types

ABO blood group system consists of four types: A, B, AB, and O
A antigen is present on red blood cells in Type A blood
B antigen is present on red blood cells in Type B blood
Both A and B antigens are present on red blood cells in Type AB blood
Neither A nor B antigen is present on red blood cells in Type O blood
Rh blood type is either Rh positive (Rh antigen present) or Rh negative (Rh antigen absent)

Rare Blood Types

Bombay blood group has hh antigen
Vel blood group has Vel antigen

Transfusions

Blood transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood products from a donor to a recipient
Types of blood transfusions include whole blood, packed red blood cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma
ABO compatibility is crucial for successful transfusions
Cross-matching is a test to ensure compatibility between donor and recipient blood

Circulatory System

The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.
The heart pumps blood through a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Blood Circulation Process

Oxygenated blood from the lungs is pumped by the heart into the aorta.
The aorta branches into smaller arteries, which distribute blood to the body's tissues.
Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through veins and is pumped back to the lungs to be oxygenated.
The process repeats, ensuring continuous oxygen delivery and waste removal.

Blood Types

Main Blood Types

There are four main blood types, classified based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on red blood cells.
A (A antigen present)
B (B antigen present)
AB (both A and B antigens present)
O (neither A nor B antigen present)

Rh Factor

Each blood type can be further classified as Rh positive (Rh antigen present) or Rh negative (Rh antigen absent).
Therefore, there are eight possible blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, O-

Functions of Blood

Oxygen transport: carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.
Carbon dioxide transport: carrying carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.
Nutrient transport: carrying nutrients, hormones, and other essential substances to the tissues.
Waste removal: carrying waste products from the tissues to the excretory organs.
Regulation: helping to regulate body temperature, pH, and electrolyte balance.
Immune function: playing a role in the immune response through the presence of white blood cells.
Blood clotting: forming clots to prevent excessive bleeding in case of injury.

Description

Explore the path of blood circulation in the human body, from deoxygenated blood returning to the heart to oxygen-rich blood being pumped to the rest of the body. Also, learn about blood pressure measurement and normal ranges.