Cardiovascular System: Vessels and Circulation

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on the cardiovascular system, including aspects of blood pressure, capillary exchange, blood flow regulation, and clinical views.

What is hypertension and its potential consequences?

Hypertension is blood pressure that is too high; it can damage blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular disease.

What is hypotension and its potential consequences?

Hypotension is blood pressure that is too low; it may deprive the body of nutrients and can cause death if severe.

What are the main systems that help maintain blood pressure?

The endocrine, nervous, and urinary systems help maintain blood pressure.

How does diffusion occur in capillary exchange?

Oxygen, hormones, and nutrients move from higher concentrations in blood to interstitial fluid and tissue cells, while carbon dioxide and waste products diffuse from higher concentrations in tissues to blood.

What is bulk flow in capillary exchange?

Bulk flow is the movement of large amounts of fluids and dissolved substances that move in one direction down a pressure gradient.

What occurs during filtration in capillaries?

Filtration is the movement of fluid out of blood through openings in capillaries, allowing fluid and small solutes to flow easily while blocking larger solutes.

What is the net filtration pressure (NFP) and how is it calculated?

NFP is calculated as the difference between net hydrostatic pressure and net colloid osmotic pressure; NFP = (HPb - HPif) - (COPb - COPif).

What roles do hydrostatic pressure and colloid osmotic pressure play in capillary exchange?

Hydrostatic pressure promotes filtration from the capillary, while colloid osmotic pressure promotes reabsorption by drawing fluid into the blood.

What is angiogenesis and when does it occur?

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels that occurs in response to increased metabolic needs, such as aerobic training or weight gain.

What is reactive hyperemia and when does it occur?

Reactive hyperemia occurs after temporary blood flow disruption and leads to a marked increase in blood flow once the flow is restored.

What are the typical systolic and diastolic pressures in an average adult?

In an average adult, systolic pressure is about 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure is about 80 mm Hg.

How is mean arterial pressure (MAP) calculated?

MAP = diastolic pressure + 1/3 pulse pressure.

What is venous return and how does it occur?

Venous return is the movement of blood from capillaries back to the heart, facilitated by the skeletal muscle pump and respiratory pump.

What is hypertension and what are the range indicators?

Hypertension is chronically elevated blood pressure, defined as systolic pressure over 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic pressure over 90 mm Hg.

What is orthostatic hypotension?

Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure after sudden standing, leading to dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.

What is the function of baroreceptors in blood pressure regulation?

Baroreceptors sense changes in blood vessel wall stretch and initiate autonomic reflexes to regulate blood pressure.

What are the primary hormones involved in blood pressure regulation?

Epinephrine, norepinephrine, angiotensin II, antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and atrial natriuretic peptide are involved in regulating blood pressure.

What is circulatory shock?

Circulatory shock is insufficient blood flow to perfuse tissues, which can be due to impaired heart function or low venous return.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is measured indirectly using a sphygmomanometer, with systolic pressure recorded when blood flow resumes and diastolic when flow is smooth.