The Circulatory System Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the circulatory system including its structure, function, and physiology.

What are the main components of the circulatory system?

The main components are the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and blood.

What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

To supply blood to all parts of the body, transporting nutrients, wastes, hormones, and gases.

What is the role of the heart in the circulatory system?

The heart acts as a pump, forcing blood around the body.

How is the heart structured in terms of chambers?

The heart is divided into left and right halves, consisting of the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle.

What is the significance of cardiac muscle?

Cardiac muscle is striated, involuntary, and can relax and contract throughout life without becoming tired.

What do valves in the heart do?

Valves ensure blood flows in the right direction during heart contractions.

What are the two main types of circulation in mammals?

The two main types are systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation.

What is the role of the sinoatrial node?

The sinoatrial node, or pacemaker, initiates the heartbeat.

What occurs during pulmonary circulation?

Deoxygenated blood is carried from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation and returns to the left atrium.

What is the function of capillaries?

Capillaries are where the exchange of substances between the blood and surrounding tissues occurs.

What differentiates arteries from veins?

Arteries have thick, muscular walls and carry blood away from the heart; veins have thinner walls and carry blood toward the heart.

What process allows for temperature regulation during exercise?

Vasodilation increases blood flow and heat dissipation, helping to maintain a safe temperature.

How are oxygenated and deoxygenated blood kept separate in the circulatory system?

The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

What are thrombocytes and their function?

Thrombocytes, or platelets, are involved in blood clotting.

What is the primary advantage of erythrocytes lacking a nucleus?

More space for hemoglobin, allowing increased oxygen transport.

What happens when a blood vessel is injured?

Platelets adhere to the site, release clotting factors, activate prothrombin into thrombin, and form a mesh with fibrin to stop bleeding.

What type of blood vessel has the thickest walls and why?

Arteries have the thickest walls because they carry blood at high pressure from the heart.