BME211 Week 1

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanics of living organisms, focusing on how forces interact with the body’s structures.

Cardiovascular Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical function and forces of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, and blood flow.

Heart

A muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system.

Valves

Structures in the heart that ensure one-way blood flow, preventing backflow between chambers.

Diastole

The phase when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Systole

The phase when the heart contracts and pumps blood out.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels where gas, nutrient, and waste exchange occur between blood and tissues.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Vessel Structure

The layers of blood vessels, including intima, media, and adventitia.

Intima

The innermost layer of a blood vessel, in direct contact with blood.

Media

The middle layer of a blood vessel, mostly smooth muscle, controls vessel diameter.

Adventitia

The outermost layer of a blood vessel, providing structural support.

Vessel Composition

The materials that make up blood vessel walls, including elastin and collagen.

Elastin

A protein that provides elasticity, allowing vessels to stretch and recoil.

Collagen

A protein that provides strength and structure to the vessel walls.

Blood Constituents

The components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Red Blood Cells

Cells that transport oxygen in the blood.

White Blood Cells

Cells that fight infections in the body.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help in blood clotting.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, and waste.

Aortic Endograft

A minimally invasive device used to reinforce a weakened aorta, commonly used in treating aneurysms.

Angioplasty and Stenting

Procedures to open narrowed arteries using a balloon (angioplasty) and keep them open with a stent (a small mesh tube).