Cardiovascular system-2 (4)

Cardiovascular System

The system in the body responsible for the circulation of blood and transportation of materials.

Blood

A connective tissue made of plasma, red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. It is responsible for the transportation of materials around the body.

Plasma

The fluid part of blood made up of water, minerals, nutrients, sugars, proteins, and other substances.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Cells that bring oxygen to cells and are filled with hemoglobin. They are made in the bone marrow and lose their cell nucleus and other organelles before being released into the blood.

Platelets

Pieces of larger cells found in the bone marrow that help to stop blood loss by plugging up blood when a vessel has been damaged. They release chemicals that cause fibers to form and help with the formation of blood clots and scabs.

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Cells that destroy pathogens and help clean wounds. Some leave the blood to move around in tissues to search out and destroy pathogens, while others release antibodies and clean up dead cells. They are made in the bone marrow and some mature in the lymphatic system.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by the blood on the inside walls of the arteries. It is expressed as two numbers (systolic/diastolic) and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Body Temperature Regulation

The process by which the body regulates its temperature. When body temperature is increasing, blood vessels in the skin enlarge (vasodilation) to transfer heat from the blood to the skin, reducing temperature.

Blood Types

A, B, AB, and O. Mixing blood types can cause the red blood cells to clump, which could form a clot. Blood type is determined by the type of antigens on red blood cells.

Antigens and Antibodies

Antigens are chemicals on the surface of red blood cells, while antibodies are chemicals in plasma that attach to antigens on red blood cells, causing clumping. Different blood types have different antibodies in plasma.

Blood Transfusions

The injection of blood or blood components into a person. Blood type is an important consideration for a blood transfusion.

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of fatty materials (cholesterol) on the inside of blood vessels, causing them to become narrow and less stretchy. It can lead to heart attack and/or death.

High Blood Pressure

Abnormally high blood pressure, which can lead to heart overworking and stroke.