Blood Vessels and Blood Circulation - Study Guide

A set of practice flashcards based on lecture notes about blood vessels and blood circulation.

What are arterioles and what role do they play in blood circulation?

Arterioles are small blood vessels that receive blood from arteries and regulate blood flow into capillaries.

What is the vasomotor center?

The specific part of the medulla oblongata regulating blood flow and pressure.

What is hypotension?

Lower-than-normal blood pressure.

What is phlebitis?

Inflammation of a vein.

What term describes the lack of blood supply to a tissue or organ?

Ischemia.

What is an aneurysm?

A bulging sac in the wall of a vessel.

What does hemorrhage refer to?

Profuse loss of blood.

What is a thrombus?

An immobile clot within a vessel.

What is an embolus?

A mobile clot within a vessel.

Which tissue makes up a blood vessel's inner tunic?

Epithelium.

What is the name of either large vein that drains into the right atrium?

Vena cava.

What is bulk flow?

Movement of fluid down a pressure gradient.

Which vessel supplies blood to the stomach, spleen, and liver?

Celiac trunk.

What is arteriosclerosis?

The medical term for 'hardening of arteries'.

What is the difference between arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins carry blood toward the heart.

What differentiates arterioles from venules?

Arterioles lead into capillaries; venules collect blood from capillaries.

What is the difference between anastomosis and venous sinus?

Anastomosis is a connection between vessels; a venous sinus is a large thin-walled vein.

What do vasoconstriction and vasodilation refer to?

Vasoconstriction refers to narrowing of vessels; vasodilation refers to widening of vessels.

What are the differences in structure between arteries, veins, and capillaries?

Arteries are thick and elastic for high pressure; veins have valves for return flow; capillaries are thin for exchange.

Describe the pathway of blood flow from the heart to the right common carotid artery.

LV → aortic arch → brachiocephalic artery → right common carotid.

How does blood return from the intestines to the heart?

From intestine → hepatic portal vein → liver → hepatic veins → IVC → right atrium.

What potential risks come with hypertension?

Risks include stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.

What treatments are available for hypertension?

Treatments include exercise, diet, low sodium intake, and medication.

What dangers does thrombosis present?

Dangers include blocked blood flow and potential embolism to the lungs or brain.

What may cause fluid leakage and result in edema?

Kidney disease and protein loss can lower osmotic pressure, leading to fluid leaks and edema.