Circulation and Blood Flow

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to circulation, blood pressure, factors affecting blood flow, and the mechanisms the body uses to regulate blood circulation.

Blood Pressure

The pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute, usually expressed in liters.

Compliance

The ability of blood vessels to expand and accommodate more blood.

Blood Viscosity

The thickness and stickiness of blood, affecting how easily it flows.

Atherosclerotic Plaque

A buildup of lipids and dead blood cells in arteries that can restrict blood flow.

Respiratory Pump

A mechanism that helps move blood through veins by changing pressure during breathing.

Skeletal Muscle Pump

A mechanism that aids blood flow by muscle contractions in the legs, pushing blood upward.

Bulk Flow

The movement of fluid between capillaries and surrounding tissues, critical for gas exchange.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest, driving fluid out of the capillaries.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure exerted by solutes in a solution, pulling water into the capillaries.

Net Filtration Pressure

The difference between hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressure, determining the direction of fluid flow.

Baroreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to changes in chemical levels (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide) in the blood.

Atrial Natriuretic Hormone

A hormone that decreases blood volume and pressure when the heart's atria are overly stretched.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Hypertension

Chronically high blood pressure that can lead to serious health problems.

Circulatory Shock

A condition where blood flow is inadequate to supply nutrients and oxygen to tissues.

Obstructive Shock

Type of circulatory shock caused by a blockage in a blood vessel.

Vascular Shock

Type of circulatory shock resulting from a problem with blood vessels, leading to vasodilation.

Cardiogenic Shock

Type of circulatory shock caused by heart failure, preventing adequate blood flow.