cardiovascular

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

To pump blood around the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients while removing waste.

What are the four chambers of the heart?

Right Atrium, Right Ventricle, Left Atrium, Left Ventricle.

What differentiates the left side of the heart from the right side?

The left side has thicker walls and pumps oxygenated blood at high pressure; the right side has thinner walls and pumps deoxygenated blood at lower pressure.

What do the atrioventricular (AV) valves do?

They prevent backflow of blood and ensure blood moves in one direction from atria to ventricles.

What is the role of the aorta?

It carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Why do large organisms need a circulatory system?

Diffusion is too slow for oxygen delivery, and they have a small surface area-to-volume ratio, requiring a more efficient system.

What happens to blood pressure as blood moves away from the heart?

Blood pressure is highest in the aorta and gradually decreases as it moves through arteries, arterioles, and veins.

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?

Systolic pressure is the higher number when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure is the lower number when the heart relaxes.

What is the function of the pulmonary artery?

It carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

How does oxygen transport occur in the blood?

Oxygen is carried by red blood cells, with hemoglobin binding to oxygen.