Overview of the Cardiovascular System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the cardiovascular system, its components, functions, and related diseases.

Cardiovascular System

Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for circulating blood throughout the body.

Heart

A muscular pump that drives the circulation of blood throughout the body.

Blood Vessels

Conductors of blood flow, comprising arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, and capillaries.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where exchange of nutrients and gases occurs.

Lymphatic System

A component closely linked to the cardiovascular system that helps in fluid balance and immune function.

Circulatory System

The combination of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.

Deoxygenated Blood

Blood that is returning to the heart from the body, low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide.

Oxygenated Blood

Blood that has been enriched with oxygen from the lungs.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as heart rate times stroke volume.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the systemic circulation.

Valve

Structures in the heart that ensure one-way flow of blood and prevent backflow.

Myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart responsible for contraction and pumping blood.

Dyslipidemia

An abnormal amount of lipids in the blood, often linked to elevated cholesterol levels.

Framingham Risk Score

A calculation that estimates the 10-year cardiovascular risk based on various health factors.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged veins that can occur when valves in the veins malfunction, allowing blood to pool.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a condition that can lead to serious health issues if left unmanaged.

Atherosclerosis

The build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls.

Heart Attack

A medical emergency where the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to heart tissue.