Introduction to the Cardiovascular System

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to the cardiovascular system, its functions, components, and associated health conditions.

Cardiovascular System

The system that delivers nutrients to organs and tissues and removes waste products.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste occurs.

Atherosclerosis

A disease characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.

Heart Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat, which can be too fast, too slow, or erratic.

Pulmonary Circuit

The path that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood back to the heart.

Systemic Circuit

The circulation that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Normal Heart Rate

The typical number of beats per minute for a healthy adult heart.