Circulatory System Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts, components, and functions of the human circulatory system.

Circulatory System

Delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing wastes.

Heart

Muscular organ at the center of the circulatory system; pumps blood and controlled by electrical impulses.

Arteries

Vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Veins

Vessels that carry deoxygenated blood towards the heart.

Capillaries

Small vessels that facilitate gas and nutrient exchange within tissues.

Systole

Phase of a heartbeat when the heart contracts and pumps blood out.

Diastole

Phase of a heartbeat when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Hypertension

Condition of high blood pressure exerted on blood vessels.

Hypotension

Condition of low blood pressure within the blood vessels.

Thermoregulation

Regulation of body temperature through blood flow adjustments.

Myocardial Infarction

Another name for a heart attack, where blood flow to the heart is blocked.

Pulmonary Circuit

The path in which the heart pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs.

Systemic Circuit

The route in which the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

Valves

Structures in the heart that prevent backflow of blood.

Homeostasis

The tendency towards a stable internal environment.