Circulatory System Quiz

A type of circulatory system where blood is pumped by a heart but remains within vessels, never directly contacting the tissues.

Involves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells and the removal of waste products like carbon dioxide.

The smallest blood vessels where exchange of substances occurs between blood and tissues.

Large blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, typically rich in oxygen.

Large blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart, typically rich in carbon dioxide.

A type of circulatory system where blood is pumped by a heart and flows directly into body cavities, rather than within vessels.

The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

The largest vein in the body, returning deoxygenated blood to the heart.

The movement of blood through the capillary bed, regulated by the contraction and relaxation of the precapillary sphincters. This is influenced by local oxygen levels - increased oxygen leads to sphincter contraction and reduced blood flow, while decreased oxygen causes relaxation and increased blood flow.

The process of substances moving from the capillaries into the interstitial fluid and then to the cells: essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to tissues.

Special capillaries with large spaces and high permeability, allowing for easy passage of large molecules and even blood cells.

A specialized pathway within a capillary bed that allows blood to bypass the capillaries and flow directly to the venous side.

The main fluid component of blood, consisting mainly of water (92%) and dissolved substances like proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients.

The largest artery in the body, with a predominance of elastic tissue in its tunica media, allowing it to stretch and recoil with each heartbeat.

Medium-sized arteries with a thicker layer of smooth muscle in the tunica media, giving them a more muscular appearance. They are responsible for regulating blood pressure and distribution.

Tiny blood vessels that supply the walls of larger blood vessels (arteries and veins).

A short segment of a capillary bed, with no continuous smooth muscle coat.

A tiny sphincter at the entrance of a capillary bed, regulating blood flow into the capillary network.

A network of capillaries that provide blood flow and facilitate exchange of substances between blood and tissues.

A cell surface marker that identifies endothelial cells, the lining of blood vessels.

The pressure exerted by blood against the walls of capillaries, pushing fluid outwards.

The pressure caused by the concentration of proteins in the blood, pulling fluid inwards.

The pressure exerted by interstitial fluid against the walls of the capillaries, pushing fluid inwards.

The pressure caused by the concentration of proteins in the interstitial fluid, pulling fluid outwards.

The difference between the forces pushing fluid out of the capillaries and the forces pulling fluid into the capillaries.

The movement of fluid across a membrane, driven by pressure differences.

The movement of substances across a membrane, driven by concentration differences.

The system that collects fluid that has leaked from the blood vessels and returns it to the circulatory system.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and tissues that collect excess fluid from the interstitial spaces and return it to the bloodstream. It also plays a role in the immune system by filtering lymph and carrying immune cells throughout the body.

Lymphatic capillaries are small, blind-ended vessels that collect fluid from the interstitial spaces. They are permeable to fluids and small proteins, but not to larger molecules or cells.

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that filter lymph and contain immune cells that fight infection. They are located throughout the body and are connected by lymphatic vessels.

Lymph fluid is a clear, yellowish fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system. It is similar to blood plasma, but contains less protein. Lymph fluid carries immune cells, waste products, and other substances.

The lymphatic system works in conjunction with the circulatory system, ensuring excess interstitial fluid, waste products, and immune cells are appropriately returned to the bloodstream. This is crucial for maintaining fluid balance and fighting infections.

The main blood vessels (like arteries) are tightly sealed, preventing fluid leakage. But fluid from the plasma in arterial capillaries moves out due to the pressure inside the capillary (capillary hydrostatic pressure). Most of this filtered fluid is pulled back into the capillaries because of the osmotic pressure from the proteins in the plasma.

The process of fluid moving from the capillaries into the tissues and from the tissues back into the capillaries. It is influenced by the balance of four pressures.

A substance present in the blood plasma that contributes to the plasma colloid osmotic pressure.

One of the main types of proteins found in plasma, it helps maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood.