Cardiovascular Physiology IV

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from cardiovascular physiology.

Capillary Exchange

The process where solutes and fluids move between blood and interstitial fluid.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.

Filtration

The process by which fluid moves out of the capillaries into the interstitial space.

Reabsorption

The process by which fluid moves from the interstitial space back into the capillaries.

Edema

Swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces.

Hypovolemic Shock

A condition resulting from a significant loss of blood volume.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.

Myogenic Regulation

A mechanism where smooth muscle contracts in response to being stretched.

Net Filtration Pressure

The difference between the pressures that promote filtration and those that promote absorption.

Transcytosis

The process of transporting large molecules across the endothelial cell via vesicles.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Part of the autonomic nervous system that often increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Metabolic Regulation

Control of blood flow based on the metabolic activity of the tissue.

Blood Colloid Osmotic Pressure (BCOP)

The pressure exerted by plasma proteins that draws fluid back into the capillaries.

Cardiogenic Shock

A condition caused by the heart's inability to pump effectively.