Circulatory Systems Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing circulatory systems, covering key concepts like heart function, blood vessels, and blood composition.

What does the circulatory system consist of?

Muscular pump (the heart), fluid (blood), and series of conduits (blood vessels).

What are the advantages of closed circulatory systems?

Faster transport of materials, directed blood flow, and specialized carriers.

What are the major types of blood vessels in vertebrate circulatory systems?

Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

How does blood circulate in fish?

Blood flows from the heart to the gills and then to the rest of the body in a single circuit.

What are the key features of the amphibian circulatory system?

Heart has three chambers; ventricle pumps blood to the lungs and body.

What are the two main types of heart valves?

Atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.

What is the primary pacemaker of the heart?

SA node.

What is Systole?

Contraction phase of ventricles.

What is Diastole?

Relaxation phase of ventricles.

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)?

Uses electrodes to record events in the cardiac cycle.

What is blood?

Connective tissue consisting of cells in an extracellular fluid matrix, the blood plasma.

What is Hematocrit?

Red blood cells (RBCs).

What is the function of Platelets?

Initiate blood clotting.

What are the basic steps in blood clotting?

Involves cell damage, platelet activation, and the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, leading to fibrin formation.

What is Atherosclerosis?

Occurs when the endothelial lining of arteries is damaged, leading to plaque formation and potential blockage.

What mechanisms control circulation and blood flow?

Autoregulation, hyperemia, and systemic regulatory mechanisms.

What hormone is released in response to low blood pressure, causing the kidneys to absorb more water?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin.

What are Starling's forces?

Blood pressure and osmotic pressure.

What is Systolic blood pressure?

Highest blood pressure in the arteries; during ventricular contraction.

What is Diastolic blood pressure?

Lowest arterial pressure; during ventricular relaxation.