Circulatory System and Blood

These flashcards encompass key terms and definitions related to the circulatory system, blood components, and related disorders.

Cardiovascular System

Comprises the heart, blood, and blood vessels and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis by transporting various substances throughout the body.

Epicardium

The thin outer layer that covers the heart and attaches to the pericardium.

Myocardium

The middle muscle layer of the heart that contracts to pump blood into the arteries.

Endocardium

The thin inner layer that lines the interior chambers and valves of the heart.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart.

Atrioventricular valves

Position between each atrium and ventricle so that blood can flow in One Direction only thereby preventing backflow.

Coronary Artery

Supplies blood to the heart.

Cardiac Cycle

One complete contraction and relaxation of the heart lasting approximately 0.8 seconds.

Systole

The contracting phase of the cardiac cycle.

Diastole

The relaxing phase of the cardiac cycle.

Pulmonary Circuit

The pathway through which deoxygenated blood is carried from the right side of the heart to the lungs and back to the left side.

Pulmonary Artery

Carries the oxygenated blood.

Pulmonary Circuit

Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood into smaller arterials and capillaries where O2 is picked up in CO2 released. Respiratory capillaries allow blood flow into the left and right pulmonary vein then into the left atrium.. blood flows through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. When blood exits the left ventricle, it passes through the aortic semilunar valve and into the systemic circuit by means of the ascending aorta.

Arterial Blood Flow

From the heart to the fingertips.

Normal Adult Heart Rate

60-90 bpm

Systemic Circuit

The pathway that carries oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart to the body tissues.

Arrhythmia

Irregular heartbeat, rate, or rhythm.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels during ventricular systole and diastole.

Hypertension

High blood pressure above the normal range.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure below the normal range.

Aneurysm

A localized dilation or bulging area in the wall of a blood vessel.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins and are responsible for the exchange of gases and nutrients.

Hemostasis

The process by which the body stops bleeding after an injury.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that help in blood clotting by forming plugs at injury sites.

Hemophilia

A hereditary condition characterized by abnormal bleeding due to ineffective clotting factors.

Lymphatic System

Comprises lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that help maintain fluid balance and provide immunity.

Hodgkin’s Disease

A malignant disorder characterized by the enlargement of lymph nodes.

CBC

Complete blood count, a common blood test used to evaluate overall health and detect disorders.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Heart attack resulting from a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune response and combating infections.

Antigen

A substance that the immune system can recognize as foreign, leading to an immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to neutralize or eliminate foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells.