Blood Flow and Circulation

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to blood flow, circulation, and the physiological aspects of cardiovascular function.

What are the goals of blood flow during exercise?

To increase blood flow to working tissues, maintain uninterrupted blood flow to the heart and CNS, provide blood flow to the periphery for heat dissipation, and maintain blood pressure.

What is blood composed of?

Blood is composed of plasma, plasma proteins (like transferrin and ferritin), electrolytes (such as Na+ and K+), red blood cells (RBCs or erythrocytes), and white blood cells (WBCs or leukocytes).

What are Hematocrit and Hemoglobin concentration?

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, while Hemoglobin concentration is measured in grams per deciliter (g/dl) and indicates the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

What is Polycythemia?

Polycythemia is a condition characterized by an increased level of erythrocytes in the blood.

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where there is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen transport.

What is Erythropoiesis?

Erythropoiesis is the process of producing red blood cells.

What hormone stimulates Erythropoiesis?

Erythropoietin is the hormone that stimulates erythropoiesis.

What is the approximate blood volume in an adult?

The approximate blood volume in an adult is about 5 liters.

Describe the pathway of blood circulation.

Blood circulates from arteries to arterioles to capillaries to venules to veins.

What type of blood do arteries carry?

Arteries carry oxygenated blood.

What characterizes veins in the cardiovascular system?

Veins carry deoxygenated blood and include one-way valves to prevent backflow.

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system on veins?

The sympathetic nervous system can cause vasoconstriction, compressing veins and propelling blood back towards the heart.

What are the three main components of the vascular structure?

The vascular structure includes the smooth muscle layer, adventitia, and intima.

What is Poiseuille's Law?

Poiseuille's Law describes the factors affecting blood flow, stating that blood flow is directly proportional to pressure difference and the fourth power of the radius, and inversely proportional to vessel length and blood viscosity.

How does changing vessel radius affect blood flow?

Changing the vessel radius through vasoconstriction decreases blood flow, while vasodilation increases blood flow.

What determines total peripheral resistance (TPR)?

Total peripheral resistance is the sum of all vascular resistances within the systemic circulation.

What does Ohm's law state in reference to blood flow?

Ohm's law states that blood flow (Q) is equal to blood pressure divided by total peripheral resistance (TPR).

How does acute exposure to high altitudes affect cardiac output?

Acute exposure to high altitudes results in changes to cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, and calculated peripheral resistance.

Why is vessel diameter important for resistance?

Vessel diameter is important because resistance is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the radius; smaller vessels have much greater resistance.