Blood, Diseases, and Immunity - Circulatory System

Flashcards for review

Plasma

Straw colored liquid that transports CO2, soluble products of digestion, wastes, and hormones. It also carries heat.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Transport oxygen, contain haemoglobin, are biconcave in shape, and lack a nucleus, providing a large surface area.

White Blood Cells

Include phagocytes (engulf microbes) and lymphocytes (produce antibodies).

Platelets

Fragments of cells that aid in blood clotting to prevent blood loss and pathogen entry.

Pathogen

A disease-causing organism.

Mechanical Barriers

Physical defenses of the body, such as skin and hairs in the nose.

Chemical Barriers

Chemical defenses of the body, such as mucus and stomach acid.

Phagocytes

Engulf and destroy microbes through phagocytosis.

Lymphocytes

Produce antitoxins (antibodies) to neutralize harmful toxins.

Antigens

Specific chemicals on pathogens that are detected by white blood cells, triggering antibody production.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by white blood cells that attach to antigens and destroy pathogens.

Vaccination

Process of acquiring artificial immunity by injecting weakened or dead antigens to stimulate antibody production.

Double Circulation

Circulatory system where blood passes through the heart twice in one complete circuit of the body.

Single Circulation

Circulatory system where blood passes through the heart once in one complete circuit of the body, as seen in fish.

Septum

The structure that separates the two sides of the heart, preventing the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Tricuspid Valve

Valve located on the right side of the heart, separating the right atrium and right ventricle.

Bicuspid Valve

Valve located on the left side of the heart, separating the left atrium and left ventricle.

Semi-lunar Valves

Valves found in the two blood arteries that come out of the top of the heart.

Ventricular Diastole

The relaxation phase of the ventricles, during which blood flows into the atria.

Atrium Systole

The contraction phase of the atria, forcing blood into the ventricles.

Ventricular Systole

The contraction phase of the ventricles, forcing blood through the semi-lunar valves into the arteries.

Cardiac Cycle

The repeating sequence of contraction and relaxation in the heart.

Coronary Heart Disease

Condition caused by blocked coronary arteries due to fatty deposits (plaques).

Angina

Severe chest pains due to restricted blood flow to the cardiac muscle cells.

Arteries

Blood vessels with thick, elastic, and muscular layers that carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Veins

Blood vessels with thinner layers and larger lumens that carry blood towards the heart under low pressure; contain valves.

Capillaries

Narrow, thin-walled vessels where the exchange of substances between the blood and surrounding tissues takes place.