Cardiovascular Concepts Chapter 2

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

chief function is to act as a control system in the body through brian activity and nerve endings

alveoli

tiny air sacs located in the lungs at the end of the bronchi, where oxygen and carbon dioxide is exchanged

bronchi

a subdivision of the trachea that brings air to the lungs

central nervous system (CNS)

the master controller, made up of the brain and spinal cord

cerebral vascular accident (CVA)

a stroke, blood flow to the brain is blocked or greatly reduced, either by blood clots or plaque buildup, or by blood vessel hemorrhage

diaphoresis

excessive sweating

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

a progressive lung disease which, over time, prevents normal breathing due to damage of the alveoli or thickening of the alveoli

diaphragm

the muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdomen; its main purpose is to control breathing

dysautonomia

conditions, malfunctions, or diseases of the Autonomic Nervous System

dyspnea

shortness of breath

hyperkalemia

high blood potassium

electrolytes

compounds that are soluble in water and form free ions, which then conduct electricity

homeostasis

the process of stablizing the body's internal environment so that all the body's organs work optimally

infarct

localized dead tissue area where a hemorrhagic event occurred

hypertension

high blood pressure

metabolic syndrome

a group of symptoms which when combined can be the underlying cause of many cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks

metabolism

the body's process of using water, oxygen, ions, and other components of blood to grow, heal, and create energy