Circulation and Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to circulation, the cardiovascular system, and blood composition, providing a helpful study tool for exam preparation.

What is the function of arteries in the circulatory system?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart.

What does systolic pressure measure?

Systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is ejecting blood.

What is diastolic pressure?

Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the ventricles are relaxed.

What is the normal blood pressure reading in adults?

The normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg.

What is the role of capillaries in the circulatory system?

Capillaries supply all body tissues with blood and allow for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste.

What are veins and their primary function?

Veins take blood back to the heart and have thinner walls with lower blood pressure compared to arteries.

What is the main function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

What role do valves play in veins?

Valves prevent the backflow of blood, ensuring it moves towards the heart.

What are the main components of blood?

Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

How do white blood cells function in the body?

White blood cells function to engulf damaged cells and destroy bacteria.

What is the main purpose of plasma in blood?

Plasma serves as a solvent for carrying various substances such as nutrients, hormones, and waste.

Describe the intrinsic control of heart rate.

Intrinsic control is regulated by the SA node, which initiates the heartbeat, with the AV node transmitting signals to the ventricles.

What is the difference between pulmonary and systemic circuits?

The pulmonary circuit carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, while the systemic circuit carries blood from the left ventricle to the body tissues.

What do arterioles do in the vascular system?

Arterioles deliver blood to capillaries.

What happens to blood pressure during capillary exchange?

Blood pressure is greater than osmotic pressure at the arterial end, allowing nutrients and oxygen to exit the capillary and waste to enter.

What are the two types of leukocytes?

Granular leukocytes and agranular leukocytes.

What is the lifespan of red blood cells?

Red blood cells typically survive for about 120 days.

What is the role of platelets in blood?

Platelets are cell fragments that initiate blood clotting.

What is the pericardium?

The pericardium is a fibrous sac that contains the heart.

What are the atrioventricular valves responsible for?

Atrioventricular valves prevent blood from flowing back into the atria.