Circulation, Regulation, Inflammation, and Healing - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering arteries, capillary exchange, venous return, lymphatics, edema, inflammation, and healing phases based on the lecture notes.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart; large arteries bulge and recoil with each heartbeat.

Capillary bed

Network of tiny capillaries where exchange of nutrients, gases, and wastes occurs with tissues.

Thoroughfare channel

Main conduit through a capillary bed that carries most of the blood flow.

Interstitial space

Fluid-filled space between cells where nutrients and wastes diffuse.

Filtration

Movement of fluid and solutes from capillaries into the interstitial space driven by hydrostatic pressure.

Reabsorption

Movement of fluid and solutes from the interstitial space back into capillaries driven by oncotic pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure

Fluid pressure in capillaries that promotes filtration outward.

Oncotic pressure

Osmotic pressure from plasma proteins that promotes reabsorption into capillaries.

Venous valves

One-way valves in veins that prevent backflow; aided by muscle contractions.

Skeletal muscle pump

Contraction of leg muscles that pushes venous blood toward the heart, aided by valves.

Respiratory pump

Breathing-induced changes in abdominal pressure that help move venous blood back to the heart.

Inferior vena cava

Large vein returning blood from the lower body to the right atrium.

Superior vena cava

Large vein returning blood from the upper body to the right atrium.

Right atrium

Heart chamber that receives systemic venous blood; passes to the right ventricle via the tricuspid valve.

Tricuspid valve

Valve between the right atrium and right ventricle that prevents backflow.

Right ventricle

Heart chamber that pumps blood to the lungs via the pulmonary circulation.

Pulmonary circulation

Pathway of blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation and back to the heart.

Closed system

Circulatory loop that remains closed with no openings to the external environment.

Lymphatic system

Open system that returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and participates in immunity.

Spider veins

Distended capillary beds visible under the skin.

Varicose veins

Enlarged, tortuous veins due to faulty valves, with risk of pooling and clots.

Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein with clot formation causing obstruction.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clot in a deep vein (often leg); causes pain, warmth, redness; contraindicates certain therapies distal to the clot.

Ischemia

Decreased blood flow to tissue leading to reduced oxygen delivery.

Hyperemia

Increased blood flow to a tissue, usually due to vasodilation or metabolic demand.

Ischemic compression

Compression that reduces blood flow to an area.

Auto regulation

Local, short-term adjustment of blood flow within tissue to maintain perfusion.

Sympathetic vasoconstriction

Fight/flight response causing blood vessels to constrict, redirecting flow.

Prostaglandins

Local mediators that promote vasodilation and modulate blood flow at damaged sites.

Histamine

Chemical that triggers vasodilation and increases capillary permeability during inflammation.

Inflammation

Protective tissue response with vasodilation, increased permeability, clotting, and phagocytosis.

Hemorrhage

Active bleeding; uncontrolled escape of blood.

Edema

Swelling from excess fluid in interstitial space.

Primary edema

Initial edema from fluid and cells rushing into the interstitial space after injury.

Secondary edema

Edema driven by high protein concentration in interstitial space attracting more fluid.

Hematoma

Localized collection of blood within tissue outside vessels.

Granulation tissue

Thin, early connective tissue with new capillaries and fibroblasts that forms during healing.

Fibroblasts

Cells that synthesize collagen during wound healing.

Collagen remodeling

Reorganization and strengthening of collagen fibers during healing.

Maturation (remodeling) phase

Final healing stage where scar tissue strengthens and becomes flexible.

Baroreceptors

Pressure-sensing receptors that help regulate blood pressure.

Systole

Phase of the heartbeat when the ventricles contract and eject blood.

Diastole

Phase of the heartbeat when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.