Cardiovascular Physiology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the study of cardiovascular physiology.

Cardiovascular System

The system that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for transporting essential substances for life.

Ischemia

A condition of inadequate blood supply to a tissue.

Infarction

Permanent tissue damage caused by prolonged ischemia.

Necrosis

Cell death resulting from severe lack of blood flow.

Perfusion Pressure

The difference in pressure between two points in a blood vessel that drives blood flow.

Transmural Pressure

The difference between blood pressure inside a vessel and the fluid pressure outside it.

Systolic Pressure

The blood pressure in the aorta during the contraction of the heart.

Diastolic Pressure

The blood pressure in the aorta between heartbeats during relaxation.

Systemic Circulation

The circulation of blood throughout the body except for the lungs.

Pulmonary Circulation

The flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

Bulk Flow

Rapid transport of blood through the cardiovascular system, driven by hydrostatic pressure differences.

Diffusion

The transport mode in the cardiovascular system where substances move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Hematocrit

The ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood.

Polycythemia

A condition characterized by an increased hematocrit, leading to thicker blood.

Anemia

A condition marked by lower than normal hematocrit, leading to increased cardiac output necessary to deliver oxygen.