Transport in Humans

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the transport systems in humans, specifically focusing on the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Circulatory system

The system responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and waste throughout the body.

Lymphatic system

A network of vessels that helps to return excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream and plays a role in immune response.

Heart-lung machine

A device used during heart surgery that takes over the function of the heart and lungs to maintain blood flow and oxygenation.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, used by small organisms to transport substances.

Oxygen (O2)

A gas essential for cellular respiration and energy production in humans.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

A waste gas produced by cellular respiration, which must be removed from the body.

Blood plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes)

Cells that contain hemoglobin and transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

White blood cells (leukocytes)

Cells of the immune system that protect the body against infection and disease.

Blood platelets (thrombocytes)

Cell fragments involved in the clotting process to prevent bleeding.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

The smallest blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs between blood and cells.

Heart valves

Structures that ensure one-way flow of blood through the heart, preventing backflow.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

Vena cava

The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the body.

Tissue fluid

Fluid that surrounds body cells, derived from blood plasma and facilitating material exchange.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid, crucial for the formation of tissue fluid in capillaries.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Lymph vessels

Vessels that carry lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, throughout the lymphatic system.

Lymph nodes

Small structures that filter lymph and trap pathogens, housing immune cells.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and is involved in immune response.

Thymus

An organ where T-cells mature; important for developing the immune system.

Blood circulation

The movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Pulmonary circulation

The branch of the circulatory system that carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Systemic circulation

The part of the circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport.

Cardiac muscle

Specialized muscle tissue of the heart that contracts to pump blood.

Arterioles

Small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries and regulate blood flow.

Venules

Small veins that collect blood from capillaries and drain into larger veins.

Elastic recoil

The ability of artery walls to stretch and recoil, helping maintain blood pressure.

Nutrient exchange

The process where nutrients move from blood to body cells and waste products move in the opposite direction.

Lymphatic system functions

Collects excess tissue fluid, protects against disease, and transports absorbed lipids to blood.

Cast of blood cells

The various types of cells in blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.