Circulation in the Bloodstream Anatomy

Artery

Carries blood away from the heart under high pressure

Capillary

Smallest vessel where exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes occurs

Vein

Blood vessel that stores blood and returns it to the heart

Venous Valves

Prevent backflow of blood in veins

Smooth Muscle

Allows arteries to handle and regulate high pressure

Systolic Pressure

Pressure during heart contraction

Diastolic Pressure

Pressure when the heart is relaxed

Atherosclerosis

Plaque buildup that narrows arteries

Hepatic Portal System

Carries blood from digestive organs to the liver

Skeletal Muscle Pump

Muscle contractions that push blood back to the heart

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels

Cardiac Output

Heart rate multiplied by stroke volume

Heart Rate

Number of beats per minute

Stroke Volume

Amount of blood pumped per beat

Capillary Structure

One-cell-thick walls for efficient exchange

Capillary Flow

Slow movement allows diffusion of substances

Aorta

Main artery carrying blood from the heart to the body

Coronary Arteries

Supply blood to the heart muscle

Carotid Arteries

Supply blood to the brain in the neck

Subclavian Arteries

Supply blood to arms under the collarbone

Brachial Artery

Major artery of the upper arm

Radial Artery

Wrist artery used to check pulse

Pulmonary Arteries

Carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs

Renal Arteries

Supply blood to the kidneys

Hepatic Artery

Supplies oxygenated blood to the liver

Mesenteric Arteries

Supply intestines

Iliac Arteries

Supply pelvis and legs

Femoral Artery

Main artery of the thigh

Popliteal Artery

Located behind the knee

Tibial Arteries

Supply lower leg and foot

Capillary Hydrostatic Pressure

Forces fluid out of capillaries into tissues

Plasma Oncotic Pressure

Pulls fluid into capillaries due to proteins

Interstitial Oncotic Pressure

Draws fluid out of capillaries into tissues

Interstitial Hydrostatic Pressure

Pushes fluid into capillaries

Pressure Gradient

Movement of fluid based on pressure differences

Exchange in Capillaries

Occurs due to balance of hydrostatic and oncotic pressures

Arteries (Oxygenation)

Not all arteries carry oxygenated blood

Vein Lumen

Larger inner space compared to wall thickness