Ch. 15 Arterial Disorders Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to arterial disorders, useful for exam preparation.

Arteries

Muscular-walled blood vessels that move blood away from the heart and are high pressure vessels.

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis

Plaque build-up on the arterial walls leading to narrowing.

Tunica intima

The inner lining of endothelial cells in the artery; damage may lead to arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.

Tunica media

Middle layer of an artery composed of smooth muscle that regulates blood flow.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels, increasing blood pressure.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure.

Endothelium

Inner lining of blood vessels responsible for fluid filtration, maintaining vessel tone, and preventing clotting.

Nitric oxide (NO)

A molecule that stimulates vessel vasodilation.

Endothelin

A molecule that stimulates vessel vasoconstriction.

Angiogenesis

The development of new blood vessels, stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Thromboxane A2

A substance that activates clotting in blood vessels.

Cardiac output (CO)

The amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle per minute.

Blood pressure regulation

The process of how blood pressure is maintained through various physiological mechanisms.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

Key role in blood pressure regulation, involving renin release from kidneys and angiotensin II formation.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone released in response to low blood pressure, increasing water reabsorption by kidneys.

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated levels of lipids in the blood, associated with cardiovascular disease.

Aneurysm

Weakening of the arterial wall causing bulging or dilation.

Kawasaki’s Disease

Affects children and is associated with infections, primarily affecting coronary arteries.