Cell Biology and Cardiovascular Physiology Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining terms related to eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic cells, animal vs. plant cell characteristics, blood vessel types, cardiac electrical conduction/EKG waves, essential nutrients, and oxygenated vs. deoxygenated blood flow.

Eukaryotic Organism

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus that contains DNA as well as other membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic Organism

An organism whose cells do not have a nucleus.

Characteristics of a Non-Plant Cell

Cell characteristics that indicate a cell is not a plant cell: having a cell membrane, a nucleus, and other membrane-bound organelles, while having no cell wall, no chloroplasts, and no large central vacuole.

Artery

A blood vessel with thick, muscular, elastic walls designed to handle high pressure as it carries blood away from the heart.

Capillary

A blood vessel with very thin walls (one cell thick) that functions in the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissue.

Vein

A blood vessel with thin walls and valves to prevent backflow that carries blood back to the heart.

Essential Nutrient

A nutrient your body needs but cannot make enough of on its own, so you must get it from your diet.

Pacemaker of the Heart

The SA node (Sinoatrial node) that generates electrical signals in the heart.

Depolarization

The electrical signal that causes the heart muscle to contract.

Flow of Depolarization

The conduction pathway of depolarization in the heart: SA node -> AV node -> AV bundle (bundle of His) -> bundle branches -> Purkinje Fibers.

P Wave

The wave on an EKG during which the atria contract.

QRS Complex

The wave complex on an EKG during which the ventricles contract.

T Wave

The wave on an EKG during which the ventricles relax and repolarize.

Exercise EKG

An EKG state distinguished from a rest EKG by a faster beating heart.

Oxygenated Blood

Blood contained in structures such as the left atrium, Aorta, Pulmonary vein, and an artery in the leg.

Deoxygenated Blood

Blood contained in structures such as the Right ventricle, Vena Cava, Right AV, and a vein in the arm.