Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the functions and anatomy of the circulatory and respiratory systems, as well as immunology.

Functions of the circulatory system

Transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Functions of white blood cells

Defending the body against infections, foreign substances, and diseases.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; each heme can carry one molecule of O2.

Clotting

The process to stop bleeding, involving vascular spasm, platelet plug formation, and coagulation with fibrinogen.

RBC life cycle

The process from the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow until their degradation.

Hypoxemia

A condition of deficient oxygen in the blood; involves a negative feedback system to restore oxygen levels.

Blood typing

Classifying blood based on antigens present (A, B, AB, O) and their corresponding antibodies.

Pulmonary circuit

The part of the circulatory system that carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs for gas exchange.

Systemic circuit

The part of the circulatory system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

ECG waves and complexes

Visual representations of the electrical signals through the heart, indicating systole and diastole.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood the heart pumps per minute; influenced by stroke volume and heart rate.

Starling's law of the capillaries

The principle that describes the relationship between capillary pressure and fluid exchange.

Resistance and viscosity relationship

The relationship between blood flow resistance, viscosity, vessel length, and radius.

Blood pressure regulation

Controlled by the cardiovascular center in the medulla using negative feedback mechanisms.

Innate immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, responding quickly but non-specifically.

Adaptive immunity

A specific immune response that involves memory and the ability to recognize specific pathogens.

Lymphatic system functions

Transporting lymph, recycling interstitial fluid, and supporting immune responses.

Respiratory volumes

Measurements of the amount of air exchanged during breathing cycles.

Oxyhemoglobin-dissociation curve

A graph that shows how hemoglobin's oxygen affinity changes with varying levels of O2 saturation.

Initiating breathing

Triggered by the need for oxygen or the buildup of carbon dioxide in the body.