MED113 – Circulatory System Comprehensive Glossary

Amlodipine

A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that causes vasodilation by blocking L-type Ca²⁺ channels.

Accelerated Hypertension

An extreme form of hypertension with BP possibly >220/120 mmHg requiring immediate treatment.

Adenosine

A vasodilator metabolite that accumulates during increased metabolism, causing increased blood flow.

Adhesion

Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium, a key early step in atherosclerosis following endothelial injury.

Adrenaline

Also known as epinephrine, it causes vasoconstriction and increases heart rate and force of contraction.

Allosteric

Refers to the mechanism of dietary cholesterol inactivating HMG-CoA reductase, regulating cholesterol synthesis.

Amplification

The second phase of coagulation involving platelet adherence and activation of various factors.

Aneurysm

A vascular complication related to hypertension and atherosclerosis, characterized by the abnormal dilation of blood vessels.

Angiotensin II

A potent vasoconstrictor part of the renin-angiotensin system, critical in blood pressure regulation.

Atenolol

A cardioselective beta-blocker that lowers BP by reducing cardiac work and inhibiting renin release.

Atherogenesis

The process of atherosclerotic plaque formation starting from endothelial injury through several inflammatory steps.

Baroreceptor

Sensors located in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses that regulate blood pressure.

Beta

Adrenergic receptors that, when stimulated, can lead to vasodilation and increased heart contractility.

Bradykinin

A local hormone that causes vasodilation, increases capillary permeability, and is involved in inflammatory responses.

Cholesterol

A fat-soluble molecule important for membrane structure and precursor to steroid hormones.

Chylomicrons

Lipoproteins synthesized in the intestine that transport dietary triglycerides and cholesterol.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A long-term consequence of hypertensive heart disease leading to heart dilation and failure.

Continuous Capillary

A type of capillary with a continuous basal lamina and no fenestrations, allowing tightly regulated metabolic exchange.

Delta Granules

Platelet granules containing molecules released during vasoconstriction and activation that amplify platelet activation.

Endothelium

The innermost lining of blood vessels formed by endothelial cells, crucial for vascular function.

Epinephrine

Another name for adrenaline, involved in the fight or flight response and increasing blood pressure.

Fibrinolysis

The process of clot dissolution, primarily achieved by tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA).

Foam Cells

Lipid-laden macrophages that play a central role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding through platelet plug formation and clotting.

Hypotension

Lower than normal blood pressure that may have various physiological causes.

Intracerebral

Referring to hemorrhage or bleeding occurring within the brain, often associated with hypertension.

Lipoprotein

Complexes of lipids and apolipoproteins that transport fats in the blood.

Malignant Hypertension

A severe form of hypertension with potential for life-threatening consequences, often characterized by organ damage.

Necrotizing Arteriolitis

A condition characterized by the death of arterioles, typically seen in severe hypertension.

Nitric Oxide

A vasodilator produced by endothelial cells, crucial for regulating blood flow and maintaining vascular health.

Renin

An enzyme secreted by the kidneys that plays a critical role in blood pressure regulation.

Serotonin

A vasoconstrictor secreted by platelets that aids in hemostasis and inflammation.

Th