Chap 13 Physiology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the cardiovascular system, aiding in exam preparation.

Cardiovascular System

Consists of blood, heart, and blood vessels.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are part of the immune system.

Platelets

Cell fragments that play a key role in blood clotting.

Plasma

Liquid portion of blood that includes water, proteins, hormones, electrolytes, and nutrients.

Hematocrit

The ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood.

Erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding, or hemorrhage.

Vascular Tree

System of blood vessels including arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

Atherosclerosis

A condition in which arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup.

Capillaries

Blood vessels where the exchange of materials between blood and cells occurs.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

A record of the electrical activity of the heart.

Antibodies

Proteins in plasma that help identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of the muscular wall of the vessels.

Lymphatic System

The system that carries lymph, aids the immune system, and removes interstitial fluid.

Blood Clot Formation

Process involving the reinforcement of a platelet plug by clotting factors leading to fibrin formation.

Chamber of the heart

The heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles.