Circulatory and Hematologic Systems

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the circulatory and hematologic systems.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances occurs.

Pulmonary circulation

The part of the circulatory system responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Systemic circulation

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

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and the chambers fill with blood.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers.

Atrioventricular valve

Valves located between the atria and ventricles, preventing backflow of blood during contraction.

Pacemaker

The specialized tissue in the heart that generates electrical impulses, regulating heartbeat.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and remains attached to its place of origin.

Myocardial infarction

Also known as a heart attack, it occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a chronic condition that can lead to serious health problems.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells, part of the immune system that help fight infection.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding, or hemorrhage.

Anticoagulant

A substance that prevents blood from clotting.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat, which can affect how well the heart works.

Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the heart muscle that affects its size, shape, and ability to pump blood.

Anemia

A condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Vasodilator

A drug that widens blood vessels, increasing blood flow.

Electrocardiogram

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.