Cardiovascular System: Blood & Heart

what are the three components of the cardiovascular system

blood, heart, and blood vessels

what are the three major functions of blood

transport, regulation, and protection

what are the two basic components of blood

plasma and formed elements (leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets)

what is plasma made of

mostly water, protein, electrolytes, nutrients, gasses, and waste

what are the three formed elements of blood

leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets

what is the main function of erythrocytes

transports oxygen and some carbon dioxide

what molecule carries oxygen in erythrocytes

hemoglobin

what is the shape of an erythrocyte

biconcave disc without nucleus

where are erythrocytes made

red bone marrow

where are old erythrocytes primarily destroyed

spleen and liver

what determines a persons ABO blood type

the a and antigens on red blood cells

why is blood typing important

prevents dangerous immune reactions during transfusions

what are the five leukocytes from most to least common

neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils (never let monkeys eat bananas)

what is the main function of neutrophils

destroys pathogens, especially bacteria, by phagocytosis

main function of lymphocytes

immune defense, including antibody production and cell-mediated immunity

main function of monocytes

become macrophages and perform phagocytosis

main function of eosinophils

fight parasites and contribute to allergic responses

what is the main function of basophils

release chemicals involved in inflammation and allergic reactions

what are platelets

cell fragments from megakaryocytes that help blood clot

where are formed blood elements produced

red bone marrow through hematopoiesis

what is the main role of platelets during blood loss

form a platelet plug and help activate clotting

what is a key anatomical feature of cardiac muscle

it is striated, branched, and involuntary

what are intercalated discs

connection between cardiac cells that provides strong attachment and electrical coupling.

where is the heart located

mediastinum of thoracic cavity, between the lungs

what are the three layers of the heart wall

epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium

which heart wall layer contracts

myocardium

how do atria differ from ventricles

atria receives bloodl ventricles pump blood out of heart

which is the function of heart valves

prevents backflow and ensures one-way blood flow

what is the correct cardiac conduction sequence

SA node → AV node → AV bundle → bundle branches → purkinje fibers

why is the cardiac conduction system important

coordinates heart contractions so blood is pumped efficiently

where does oxygen poor-blood enter the heart

right atrium through the superior and inferior vena cava

what is the path through the right side of the heart

RA → tricuspid valve → RV → pulmonary semilunar valve → pulmonary trunk

where does oxygen-poor blood go after the right ventricle

through pulmonary arteries to the lungs

where does oxygen-rich blood enter the heart

left atrium through the pulmonary veins

what is the path through the left side of the heart

LA → mitral valve → LV → aortic semilunar valve → aorta

where does the left ventricle pump oxygen-rich blood

into the aorta for systemic circulation

what is pulmonary circulation

blood flow between the heart and lungs for gas exchange

what is systemic circulation

blood flow between the heart and body tissues

what are the major vessels of pulmonary circulation

pulmonary trunk, pulmonary arteries, pulmonary capillaries, and pulmonary veins

what is the function of coronary circulation

supplies the heart muscel with oxygen and nutrients and removes wastes