Human Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 18: The Cardiovascular System

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the cardiovascular system, focusing on blood vessels, hemodynamics, and blood pressure.

Vasculature

The network of blood vessels that transport blood to tissues and back to the heart.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart; those in the pulmonary circuit carry deoxygenated blood, while those in the systemic circuit carry oxygenated blood.

Capillaries

Smallest blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes occurs between blood and tissues.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart and drain blood from capillary beds.

Tunics

Several tissue layers surrounding blood vessels, including tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa.

Tunica Intima

Innermost layer of a blood vessel, made of endothelium, providing a smooth surface for blood flow.

Tunica Media

Middle layer of blood vessels composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibers, controlling vessel diameter.

Tunica Externa

Outermost layer of blood vessels, composed of connective tissue that supports and prevents overstretching.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the formation of plaques in the arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases.

Hemodynamics

The study of blood flow and the forces involved in circulation.

Blood Pressure

The outward force that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels.

Baroreceptors

Mechanoreceptors that monitor blood pressure changes in the arteries.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute, calculated by stroke volume times heart rate.

Peripheral Resistance

Resistance to blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels, affected by vessel diameter.

Colloid Osmotic Pressure (COP)

Pressure exerted by plasma proteins that draws fluid back into the capillaries.

Net Filtration Pressure (NFP)

Overall pressure that determines if water moves out of or into capillaries.

Edema

The accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces, often due to increased hydrostatic pressure or decreased osmotic pressure.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels resulting from contraction of smooth muscle.

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument used to measure blood pressure.