BIOL

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood AWAY from the heart.

Capillaries

Smallest branch of blood vessels with thin walls, where exchange between blood and interstitial fluids occurs.

Veins

Blood vessels that return blood to the heart.

Tunica Intima

Inner layer of blood vessel walls.

Tunica Media

Middle layer of blood vessel walls containing smooth muscle.

Tunica Externa

Outer layer of blood vessel walls.

Venules

Smallest branches of veins collecting blood from capillaries.

Arterioles

Smallest branches of arteries leading up to capillary beds.

Aneurysm

Bulge in the arterial wall caused by a weak spot in elastic fibers.

Venous Valves

Folds of tunica intima in veins preventing backflow.

Autoregulation

Immediate, localized homeostatic adjustments in blood vessels.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

Diastolic pressure + one-third pulse pressure, a measure of average blood pressure.

Circle of Willis

Interconnected network of arteries at the base of the brain.

Stroke

Interruption of blood supply to a portion of the brain, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Hepatic Portal System

Connects capillary beds of digestive organs to the liver for nutrient processing.

Thoracic Duct

Drains part of stomach, small intestine, and part of large intestine.

Left, Right Gastric Veins

Drain part of the stomach.

Cystic Vein

Drains the gallbladder.

Pathogens

Microscopic organisms causing diseases like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Lymphocytes

Cells in the lymphatic system that identify, attack, and develop immunity to pathogens.

Immunity

The body's ability to resist infection and disease.

Lymph

Fluid similar to plasma without plasma proteins.

Lymphatic Capillaries

One-way valve vessels carrying lymph from tissues to veins.

Lymphatic Vessels

Include superficial and deep vessels accompanying arteries and veins.

Lymphedema

Blockage of lymph drainage causing severe swelling.

Lymphoid Cells

Immune system cells like lymphocytes and supportive cells in lymphoid tissues.

Tonsils

Lymphoid nodules in the respiratory tract and digestive system.

Lymph Nodes

Purify lymph before returning it to the bloodstream.

Thymus

Organ in the mediastinum involved in T cell maturation.

Spleen

Important lymphoid tissue involved in immune responses and blood cell removal.

Immunity

Ability to resist infectious organisms and other harmful substances.

Phagocytes

Cells like neutrophils and macrophages that engulf pathogens.

Natural Killer Cells

Cells that identify and destroy abnormal cells.

Interferons

Proteins that trigger antiviral protein production.

Complement System

Proteins aiding in pathogen destruction through various mechanisms.

Stay in Circulation

Providing immunity against new exposure by maintaining a presence in the body.

Tolerance

The immune system's ability to ignore 'normal' antigens (self-antigens).

Cytokines

Chemicals released by cells involved in the immune response, stimulating various immune functions.

Interleukins

Cytokines that increase T cell sensitivity and stimulate B cell activity and antibody production.

Antibodies Structure

Soluble proteins with heavy and light chains, forming antigen-binding sites.

IgG

The largest class of antibodies, responsible for resistance against viruses, bacteria, and toxins.

IgE

Class of antibodies involved in allergic responses by attaching to basophils and mast cells.

IgD

Antibodies that bind antigens in extracellular fluid and sensitize B cells.

IgM

First antibodies secreted after antigen encounter, forming starburst structures and attacking bacteria.

IgA

Antibodies primarily found in glandular secretions, attacking pathogens before internal tissue access.

Glucocortoids

Hormones that limit the immune response, inhibiting inflammation and immune function.

Allergies

Excessive immune responses to antigens, leading to hypersensitivity reactions.

Autoimmune Disorders

Malfunctions in the immune system causing it to attack 'normal' body cells.

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Result from issues in lymphoid organ development, leading to weakened immune responses.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Breathing pattern dominated by the diaphragm, involving active inhalation and passive exhalation.

Tidal Volume

Amount of air moved into or out of the lungs in a single breath.

Partial Pressure

Pressure contributed by a single gas in a gas mixture.

Oxyhemoglobin

Formed when oxygen binds to iron ions in hemoglobin molecules.

Carbon Monoxide

Gas that binds strongly to hemoglobin, potentially causing poisoning.

Respiratory Centers

Brain regions regulating respiratory rates and patterns, including the medulla oblongata and pons.

Hering-Breuer Reflexes

Reflexes involved in controlling breathing, including the inhalation and deflation reflexes.

Apnea

Period of suspended respiration, often followed by forceful expulsion of air.

Integration of Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems

Coordination between these systems to enhance gas exchange efficiency and regulate factors like lung perfusion and blood pressure.