Overview of Blood Vessels and their Functions

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to blood vessels, their structure, functions, and types, as discussed during the lecture.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart.

Capillaries

The smallest blood vessels, where the exchange of substances occurs.

Tunica Intima

The innermost layer of blood vessels, containing the endothelium.

Tunica Media

The middle layer of blood vessels composed of smooth muscle.

Tunica Externa

The outer layer of blood vessels, composed mainly of connective tissue.

Arterioles

Smallest branches of arteries leading to capillaries.

Venules

Small veins that receive blood from capillaries.

Elastic Arteries

Large arteries such as the aorta that contain a high elastin content.

Muscular Arteries

Arteries that are smaller than elastic arteries and have thicker tunica media.

Vasoconstriction

The contraction of blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow.

Vasodilation

The relaxation of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow.

Continuous Capillaries

The most common type of capillary, with tight junctions between endothelial cells.

Fenestrated Capillaries

Capillaries with pores that allow for increased permeability.

Sinusoids

Wide, leaky capillaries found in some organs allowing large molecules to pass.

Capillary Beds

Networks of capillaries that regulate blood flow to tissues.

Precapillary Sphincters

Muscles that regulate blood flow into capillaries.

Blood Brain Barrier

A selective barrier formed by tight junctions in the capillaries of the brain.

Systemic Circulation

The pathway by which oxygenated blood travels from the heart to the body and back.

Hepatic Portal System

A specialized venous system that transports nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Superior Vena Cava

A large vein that returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium from the upper body.

Inferior Vena Cava

A large vein that returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium from the lower body.

Arterial Anastomoses

Connections between arteries that provide alternative pathways for blood flow.

Venous Plexuses

Networks of veins that allow for multiple routes of venous drainage.

Common Carotid Arteries

Major arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the head and neck.

Subclavian Arteries

Arteries supplying blood to the arms and some thoracic structures.

Thoracic Aorta

The section of the aorta running through the thorax.

Abdominal Aorta

The region of the aorta that supplies the abdominal organs.

Renal Arteries

Arteries supplying blood to the kidneys.

Gonadal Arteries

Arteries supplying blood to the reproductive organs.

Femoral Artery

The major artery supplying blood to the lower limb.

Popliteal Artery

The artery located behind the knee.

Tibial Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the lower leg.

Dural Sinuses

Venous channels found between layers of dura mater in the brain.

Internal Jugular Veins

Veins that drain blood from the brain.

External Jugular Veins

Veins that drain blood from the scalp and face.

Axillary Vein

Vein that drains the axilla (armpit) and upper arm.

Brachial Vein

Vein that drains blood from the upper arm.

Basilic Vein

A large superficial vein of the arm.

Cephalic Vein

A superficial vein that is typically easier to access for blood draws.

Hepatic Veins

Veins that drain deoxygenated blood from the liver.

Mesenteric Veins

Veins that drain the intestines.

Indicator of Portal Hypertension

Blockage in liver sinusoids causing increased pressure in the hepatic portal system.

Great Saphenous Vein

The longest vein in the body that drains the superficial tissues of the lower limb.

Small Saphenous Vein

A superficial vein in the leg that drains the posterior aspect of the leg.

Portal Veins

Veins that carry blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Celiac Trunk

The major artery supplying blood to the abdominal organs.

Superior Mesenteric Artery

An artery supplying blood to the small intestine and part of the large intestine.

Inferior Mesenteric Artery

An artery supplying blood to the lower portion of the large intestine.

Inferior Phrenic Arteries

Arteries that supply the diaphragm.

Lumbar Veins

Veins that drain the lumbar region of the spine.

Thyrocervical Trunk

An artery supplying blood to the thyroid gland and neck.

Costocervical Trunk

An artery supplying blood to the deep muscles of the neck.