Cardiovascular/Respiratory Systems & Human Performance

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to cardiovascular and respiratory systems and human performance.

Ventricles

Chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood out.

Pulmonary circuit

Circulation of blood between the heart and the lungs.

Systemic circuit

Circulation of blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions, such as temperature.

Hypothalamus

The brain structure that acts as the body's thermostat by regulating temperature.

Vasodilation

The process of widening blood vessels to increase blood flow and release heat.

Vasoconstriction

The process of narrowing blood vessels to conserve body heat.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Atherosclerosis

A disease characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, restricting blood flow.

Hypertension

The medical term for high blood pressure.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Occurs when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, reducing its oxygen-carrying capacity.

Cholesterol

A lipid transported in the blood, with types: HDL (good) and LDL (bad).

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

Acclimatization

Physiological adjustment to environmental changes, which is reversible.

Gas Exchange

The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs and tissues.

Systolic pressure

Blood pressure during heart contractions.

Diastolic pressure

Blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

Blood doping

The illegal practice of boosting red blood cell count for enhanced athletic performance.

Capillaries

The smallest blood vessels where the exchange of nutrients and gases occurs.

Pulse

The rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries as blood is pumped through them.

Respiratory alkalosis

A condition resulting from hyperventilation leading to increased blood pH.