Bio Lecture 10/13: The Cardiovascular System

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the Bio Lecture on the cardiovascular system, including definitions of terms related to blood components, functions, and blood vessel classifications.

Cardiovascular System

A system that transports essential nutrients, removes waste products, protects the body, and helps regulate temperature, pH balance, and electrolyte levels.

Blood

The transport medium in the circulatory system, critical for maintaining homeostasis, regulating internal environment, and transporting hormones, nutrients, and gases.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Cells primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and aiding in the transport of carbon dioxide.

Erythropoietin

A hormone that regulates the production of red blood cells in response to oxygen availability.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A condition where carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin instead of oxygen, leading to tissue hypoxia.

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Immune cells that protect the body against infections and diseases; includes neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.

Neutrophils

The most abundant type of white blood cell, first to respond to infections caused by bacteria and some fungi.

Eosinophil

A type of white blood cell that defends against parasites and reduces allergic reactions.

Basophil

The rarest type of white blood cell that secretes histamine in response to allergic reactions.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that works in the lymphatic system and helps produce an immune response.

Monocyte

The largest type of white blood cell that turns into macrophages to destroy pathogens and stimulate other white blood cells.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Cell fragments in the blood that aid in the clotting process.

Blood Vessels

The channels through which blood circulates; includes arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

Arterioles

Small branches of arteries that regulate blood pressure.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where gas, nutrient, and waste exchange occurs.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.