Blood and Heart Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to blood and heart functions, types of blood cells, coagulation, blood typing, heart anatomy, and fetal circulation.

Functions of Blood

Transportation, regulation, and protection.

Transportation

Blood transports gases, nutrients, waste products, hormones, enzymes, and catalysts throughout the body.

Regulation

Blood regulates body temperature, water concentration, and pH values.

Protection

Blood protects the body through immunity and blood clotting.

Red Blood Cells

Biconcave discs that carry oxygen; lifespan of about 120 days.

White Blood Cells

Larger cells with a nucleus that fight infections; lifespan varies from hours to years.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in blood clotting; lifespan of about 5 to 9 days.

Agranulocytes

Type of white blood cells without granules; includes lymphocytes and monocytes.

Granulocytes

Type of white blood cells with granules; includes basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils.

Plasma

Liquid portion of blood, making up 55% of its volume, primarily composed of water.

Albumin

Major plasma protein that maintains osmotic pressure and keeps water in the blood.

Globulins

Plasma proteins that serve as the backbone of antibodies.

Fibrinogen

Plasma protein involved in the coagulation process.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding.

Three Stages of Coagulation

Vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation leading to fibrin thread formation.

Blood Typing

Classification of blood based on the presence of specific proteins and antibodies.

SA node

Sinoatrial node; the pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium.

AV node

Atrioventricular node; where the electrical impulse is delayed before it passes to the ventricles.

Heart Valves

Structures that prevent backflow of blood; include AV valves and semilunar valves.

EKG P Wave

Represents atrial contraction or depolarization.

EKG QRS Complex

Represents ventricular contraction or depolarization.

EKG T Wave

Represents ventricular relaxation or repolarization.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Increases heart rate and force of contraction; uses norepinephrine.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Decreases heart rate and force of contraction; uses acetylcholine.

Umbilical Vein

Carries blood from the placenta to the fetus.

Ductus Venosus

Bypasses the liver in fetal circulation.

Foramen Ovale

Allows blood to move from the right atrium to the left atrium in fetal circulation.

Ductus Arteriosus

Allows blood to move from the pulmonary trunk directly into the aorta.

Umbilical Arteries

Carry blood from the fetus back to the placenta.