Cardiovascular Main Points

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the cardiovascular system and the structure and function of blood vessels.

Blood Vessels

Continuous system of tubes that transport blood throughout the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that return blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

Microscopic vessels that facilitate exchange between blood and tissue cells.

Tunica Intima

The innermost layer of blood vessels.

Tunica Media

The middle layer of blood vessels, consisting of smooth muscle.

Tunica Externa

The outermost layer of blood vessels, providing structural support.

Elastic Arteries

Large arteries near the heart that expand during systole.

Muscular Arteries

Arteries that distribute blood to specific organs and are more active in vasoconstriction.

Arterioles

Small arteries that regulate blood flow into capillary beds.

Atherosclerosis

A degenerative vascular disease that decreases arterial elasticity.

Intercellular Clefts

Gaps in capillary walls that facilitate the exchange of materials.

Sinusoid Capillaries

The most permeable capillaries with wide, tortuous channels.

Fenestrated Capillaries

Capillaries with pores that allow for greater permeability.

Continuous Capillaries

The least permeable capillaries without pores.

Precapillary Sphincters

Muscle fibers that regulate blood flow into capillary networks.

Venous Valves

Structures in veins that prevent the backflow of blood.

Blood Reservoirs

Veins that can store large amounts of blood.

Anastomosis

The joining of blood vessels to create alternate channels.

Blood Flow

The amount of blood flowing through a vessel in a given time.

Blood Pressure (BP)

The force exerted by circulating blood on vessel walls.

Resistance

Opposition to blood flow, influenced by vessel diameter and viscosity.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in arteries during heart contraction.

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in arteries during heart relaxation.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The averaged blood pressure in a person's vessels during one cardiac cycle.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure.