circulatory system

What are the functions of the circulatory system?

Transports gases, nutrients and waste; regulates temperature; transports chemicals; protects against blood loss and disease-causing microbes.

What are the components of the human circulatory system?

Heart, blood vessels, blood.

What is the name of smaller arteries?

Arterioles.

What is the name of smaller veins?

Venules.

What type of blood do arteries usually carry?

Usually oxygenated.

What type of blood do veins usually carry?

Usually deoxygenated.

What moves blood through arteries?

Forced from the heart.

What moves blood through veins?

Contraction of surrounding muscles.

What is the structure of capillaries?

Capillaries are spread out in a fine network; walls are 1 cell thick for gas exchange and the inner diameter is just large enough for blood cells to pass through.

What is the function of white blood cells?

They are part of the body's immune system.

What is the function of platelets?

Platelets play a key role in blood clotting when blood vessels are broken.

How do erythrocytes carry oxygen?

RBCs contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen to carry it around the body.

How do blood vessels help to warm you up?

Vasoconstriction constricts the blood vessels near the surface of the skin to keep blood warmer throughout the body's core.

How do blood vessels help to cool you down?

Vasodilation dilates the blood vessels near the surface of the skin to allow blood to cool before returning to the body's core.

What is the thickness of artery walls compared to vein walls?

Artery walls are thicker; vein walls are thinner.

What direction does blood flow in arteries?

Away from the heart.

What direction does blood flow in veins?

Towards the heart.

Do arteries have valves?

No.

Do veins have valves?

Yes.

What are the components of blood?

Plasma, white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells.

What is the role of the circulatory system in temperature regulation?

It regulates body temperature through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

What is the main function of red blood cells (RBCs)?

To transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

What is the blood's role in protecting the body?

It protects against disease-causing microbes and aids in blood clotting.

How do arteries differ from veins in structure?

Arteries have thicker walls to withstand high pressure, while veins have thinner walls and valves.

What is the function of plasma in blood?

Plasma transports nutrients, hormones, proteins, and waste products throughout the body.

What is one major difference between arterioles and venules?

Arterioles carry blood away from the heart, while venules carry blood back to the heart.

What mechanism helps white blood cells defend against pathogens?

They identify and destroy pathogens as part of the immune response.

What type of blood vessel is primarily responsible for nutrient and gas exchange?

Capillaries.

What happens to blood during exercise in relation to circulation?

Blood flow increases to muscles and skin to meet oxygen demand and regulate body temperature.

What is hemostasis?

The process of stopping bleeding, which involves platelets and clotting factors.