Human Body Systems: Cardiac and Respiratory Systems

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts of the cardiac and respiratory systems.

Position of the Heart

Located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs in the inferior mediastinum.

Cardiovascular System Functions

Transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to and from cells.

Arteries

Thick walls, small lumens, handle high pressure and carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Thinner walls, larger lumens, handle low-pressure flow and carry blood to the heart.

Capillary Bed Dynamics

Open sphincters allow blood to enter, and closed sphincters bypass capillaries via a thoroughfare channel.

Vasomotion 

Irregular, pulsing blood flow through capillary beds

Pulmonary Circuit

Blood flows from the right side of the heart to the lungs and back to the left side of the heart.

Systemic Circulation

Oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the left side of the heart to all body tissues.

Sinoatrial Node

Natural pacemaker of the heart that initiates heartbeat and signals the atrioventricular node.

Hypertension

High blood pressure that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Myocardial Infarction

Blockage of coronary arteries leading to heart muscle cell death, commonly known as a heart attack.

Open Circulatory System

A system where blood flows freely in cavities around organs, as seen in some invertebrates.

Single Circulation

Circulatory system in sharks and bony fishes with a two-chambered heart where blood passes through two capillary beds. (fishes)

Double Circulation

Circulatory system in mammals with separate circuits for oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood. (reptiles, mammals, amphibians)

Hemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.

Alveoli

Air sacs in the lungs where gas exchanges occur between blood and the external environment.

Platlets

Respond to injury and plug up a minor break

Fibrin

Cross-link to form a clot, which, if on your skin, is called a scab

Top region of the upper respiratory track 

Nasopharynx

Middle region of the upper respiratory track 

Oropharynx

Bottom region of the upper respiratory track 

Laryngopharynx

Emphysema

A respiratory condition often caused by tobacco smoke, leading to damaged lung tissue.

Asthma

Long-term inflammation of the airway leading to difficulty in breathing.

Trachea

The main airway leading to the lungs, supported by cartilage rings.

Bird Ventilation

In birds, air passes through the lungs in one direction with the help of air sacs.

Gastrovascular Cavities

Specialized cavities in cnidarians functioning in digestion and substance distribution.