NSFN SU 1

Respiration

The process of gas exchange in the body.

Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Blood pressure (BP)

The force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries.

Systolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart.

Diastolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest and filling with blood.

Peripheral vascular resistance

The resistance that blood encounters as it flows through the blood vessels.

Hematocrit

The proportion of red blood cells to the blood plasma.

Blood viscosity

The thickness or stickiness of blood, affecting its flow.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining the body's temperature within a normal range.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that increases heart rate and blood pressure during stress.

Hypovolemia

A decreased volume of blood in the body, which can lead to lower blood pressure.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that produce hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

Normal vital signs

Standard measurements of body functions usually including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

Exercise

Physical activity that increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Dehydration

A condition arising from excessive loss of water from the body.

Medication effects on BP

Certain medications can either lower or raise blood pressure.

Stress and pain effect on BP

Stress and pain can elevate blood pressure through sympathetic nervous stimulation.

Age effect on BP

Blood pressure tends to rise with age.

Blood volume

The total amount of blood circulating within the vascular system.