The Cardiovascular System (Ch. 6 - A+P)

Components of the cardiovascular system

-Heart

-Blood

-Blood vessels

Another name for the cardiovascular system

Circulatory system

How many chambers in the heart?

4 (2 atria and 2 ventricles)

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart

Right vs. left atrium

Right atrium receives unoxygenated blood returning from the body. Left atrium receives oxygenated blood returning from the lungs.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart

Right vs. left ventricle

Right ventricle sends oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. Left ventricle sends oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Pathway of blood through the heart

Venae cavae → right atrium → right ventricle → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta → body

What is the strongest part of the heart?

Left ventricle (The blood must reach all parts of the body.)

Valve

A structure that opens and closes to permit the flow of a fluid in only one direction

How many valves in the heart?

4

Name the valves in the heart

Pulmonary, tricuspid, mitral (bicuspid), aortic

Cardiac conduction system

Specialized muscle tissues that conduct electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat

T/F: The heart generates its own heartbeat automatically, but the brain and hormones can modify the speed and strength of that heartbeat to meet the body’s needs.

True!

Artery

Any blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart

Name some important arteries

-Coronary arteries

-Aorta

-Pulmonary artery

-Carotid arteries

-Femoral artery

-Brachial artery

-Radial artery

-Posterior tibial artery

-Dorsalis pedis artery

The smallest branch of an artery

Arteriole

What do arterioles lead to?

Capillaries

Capillaries

Thin-walled, microscopic blood vessels where oxygen/carbon dioxide and nutrient/waste exchange with cells takes place

Smallest kind of vein

Venule

What do the venae cavae do?

Collect blood from the body and return it to the right atrium

Pulmonary vein

Vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart

How is the pulmonary vein an exception?

It is a vein that carries oxygen-rich blood.

Components of the blood

Plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets

Plasma

The fluid portion of the blood; makes up more than half the blood

What component of the blood makes up more than half its volume?

Plasma

Red blood cells

Primary function is to carry oxygen to tissues

Other names for red blood cells

RBCs, erythrocytes, red corpuscles

White blood cells

Involved in destroying germs and producing antibodies

Other names for white blood cells

WBCs, leukocytes, white corpuscles

Platelets

Membrane-enclosed fragments of specialized cells; can release clotting factors

What is a reason for checking the posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses?

Checking for adequate circulation to the lower extremities

The peripheral pulses

-Radial

-Brachial

-Posterior tibial

-Dorsalis pedis

The central pulses

-Carotid

-Femoral

Blood pressure

The pressure caused by blood exerting force against the walls of blood vessels (the pressure in an artery)

What kind of blood pressure is usually measured?

Arterial

__ over _?

Systolic over diastolic

Systolic blood pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the left ventricle contracts

Diastolic blood pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the left ventricle is relaxed and refilling

Perfusion

The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells and tissues as a result of blood flow

Hypoperfusion = ___

Shock

Shock

The body’s inability to circulate blood adequately; a life-threatening condition

What is V/Q match?

Ventilation perfusion match; the coupling of a sufficient amount of air with a sufficient amount of blood

What are threats to quality perfusion?

Anything that threatens the normal function of the cardiopulmonary system

What happens during aerobic metabolism?

When oxygen is present, glucose is converted to ATP, producing efficient energy and minimal waste products

What happens when there is not enough oxygen for aerobic metabolism?

Anaerobic metabolism, which produces less energy and more waste products, like lactic acid

How does lactic acid affect the body?

Contributes to acidosis, which damages cells and reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen

Why are oxygen and glucose important to cells?

Glucose is converted into ATP for energy, and oxygen is required for aerobic metabolism.