PCB 4703 Unit 3 Study Guide Flashcards

This flashcard set provides vocabulary and key concept definitions for PCB 4703 Unit 3, covering cardiovascular and respiratory physiology as outlined in the study guide.

Red blood cell production

The biological process, also known as erythropoiesis, of generating new red blood cells to maintain oxygen transport.

Veinous system movement

The movement of blood through the veins, facilitated by the skeletal muscle pump and one-way valves.

Arterial blood pressure controls

Mechanisms including baroreceptors, hormonal signals, and kidney function that regulate the force of blood against arterial walls.

Hypertension

A medical condition characterized by chronically elevated blood pressure which can damage the vascular system and heart.

Systolic pressure

The arterial pressure recorded during the contraction phase of the heart ventricles.

Diastolic pressure

The arterial pressure recorded when the heart ventricles are relaxing and filling with blood.

Atherosclerosis

A condition involving the buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing hardening and narrowing of the vessel lumen.

Body’s defense mechanism against blood loss

The process of hemostasis, which involves vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and blood coagulation.

Arteries

Thick-walled, muscular vessels that carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Veins

Thin-walled vessels that carry blood toward the heart, often containing valves to prevent backflow.

Myocardial nutrient supply

The delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cardiac muscle cells specifically via the coronary arteries.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen carrying capacity.

Heart valves

Mechanical structures within the heart that ensure unidirectional blood flow by preventing backflow between chambers or into vessels.

Veinous system valves

Flap-like structures in veins that prevent the backward flow of blood as it moves toward the heart against gravity.

Vascular system

A closed system of vessels responsible for circulating blood throughout the entire body.

Respiratory system

An open system responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide through gas exchange.

Alveolar cells

Specialized cells in the lungs including Type I for gas exchange structure and Type II for the secretion of surfactant.

Transpulmonary pressure

The pressure difference between the inside of the alveoli and the pleural cavity that keeps the lungs expanded.

Asthma

A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, increasing airflow resistance.

Iron

An essential mineral in the body used to form the heme group in hemoglobin for oxygen binding.

Respiratory alkalosis

A condition where the blood $pH$ increases due to excessive elimination of $CO_2$ through hyperventilation.

Respiratory acidosis

A condition where the blood $pH$ decreases because the lungs cannot remove enough $CO_2$.

Metabolic alkalosis

A primary increase in bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$) or loss of acid, leading to an elevated blood $pH$, distinct from respiratory causes.

Medulla oblongota

The area of the brainstem that acts as the primary control center for the rhythm of respiration.

Pons

A brainstem structure that assists the medulla in regulating the rate and depth of breathing.

Sinoatrial node

The heart's natural pacemaker located in the right atrium that initiates the electrical impulse for contraction.

Atrioventricular node

The electrical relay station that delays the impulse from the atria before passing it to the ventricles.

Bundle of His

A bundle of specialized muscle fibers that transmit electrical impulses from the AV node to the Purkinje fibers.

Heart sounds

The sounds produced by the closing of the heart valves, typically described as "lub" and "dub".

Cardiac output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as $CO = HR \times SV$.

Frank-Starling mechanism

The physiological principle stating that the force of heart contraction is proportional to the initial stretching of the myocardial fibers.

Diaphragm

The major muscle of respiration that contracts to increase thoracic volume during inhalation.

Parietal pleura

The outer layer of the serous membrane that lines the thoracic wall and aids in the mechanics of lung expansion.