The Circulatory System: Blood Vessels/Vasculature

Flashcards covering important vocabulary and concepts related to the circulatory system and blood vessels.

Arteries

Distribution system, efferent vessels that transport blood away from the heart.

Veins

Collection system, afferent vessels that transport blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

Exchange vessels that facilitate the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.

Tunica Interna/Intima

The innermost layer of a blood vessel, consisting of endothelium and subendothelial connective tissue.

Tunica Media

Middle layer of blood vessels, consisting of smooth muscle and responsible for vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Tunica Externa/Adventitia

Outer layer of blood vessels that provides structural support and contains vasa vasorum.

Vasomotor Nerves

Nerves that control the contraction and relaxation of blood vessel smooth muscle.

Baroreceptors

Sensors that monitor blood pressure, found in certain arteries like the carotid arteries.

Chemoreceptors

Sensors that monitor chemical changes in blood, including oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Continuous Capillaries

Type of capillaries with tight junctions, found in muscles, skin, CNS, and lungs.

Fenestrated Capillaries

Type of capillaries with filtration pores, facilitating exchange in kidneys and endocrine glands.

Sinusoid Capillaries

Discontinuous capillaries allowing the transfer of large substances, located in liver and spleen.

Precapillary Sphincters

Muscle layers that regulate blood flow into capillary beds.

Capacitance Vessels

Veins that serve as blood reservoirs, can hold up to 60% of total blood volume.

Hepatic Portal System

A system that channels blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Aneurysm

An abnormal bulge in a blood vessel that can lead to serious complications like rupture.

Arteriosclerosis

Thickening and hardening of arterial walls, contributing to hypertension.

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of lipid deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged veins caused by weakened valves, often occurring in the legs.