CIRCULATION SYSTEM

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, making up 55% of blood volume, composed primarily of water (90%), ions, proteins, gases, nutrients, wastes, and hormones.

Functions of blood

Transportation of nutrients, hormones, and waste; regulation of pH, temperature, and fluid balance; protection via clotting and immune defense.

RBCs

Red blood cells that contain hemoglobin, which transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

WBCs

White blood cells that are responsible for immunity.

Platelets

Cell fragments involved in hemostasis and clot formation.

Systemic circulation

Oxygenated blood flow from the heart to tissues and the return of deoxygenated blood.

Pulmonary circulation

The flow of deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation and back to the heart.

Portal circulation

The role of the hepatic portal system in nutrient transport and metabolism.

Arteries

Blood vessels with thick walls that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Veins

Blood vessels with thinner walls that collect deoxygenated blood and return it to the heart.

Capillaries

The smallest and most numerous blood vessels, allowing for exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste.

Hemodynamics

The study of blood flow and pressure within the circulatory system.

Anemia

A condition where blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Symptoms of Anemia

Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Hypertension

A condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure.

Mechanisms of Hypertension

Increased cardiac output, peripheral resistance, RAAS dysfunction, sympathetic overactivity, endothelial dysfunction, sodium retention, and hormonal imbalance.

Impacts of Hypertension

Increased risks of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and other organ damage.

Hypotension

A condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure.

Mechanisms of Hypotension

Low cardiac output, excessive vessel widening, nerve dysfunction, fluid loss, hormonal issues, medications, postural changes, and severe illness.

Impacts of Hypotension

Dizziness, fainting, chest pain, kidney damage, and overall risk of shock or organ failure.

Atherosclerosis

A condition marked by the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup, affecting blood flow.

Risk factors of Atherosclerosis

Plaque buildup can lead to blockages, heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots.

Thrombosis

The formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel.

Fluid balance

The maintenance of proper levels of body fluids, heavily influenced by the lymphatic system.

Immunity

The ability of the body to defend against infectious disease and foreign invaders.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, affecting blood pressure.

Vessel diameter

The width of blood vessels, which affects resistance and blood pressure.

Capillary structure

Capillaries consist of a single layer of endothelial cells facilitating diffusion.

Deep veins

Veins located deep within the body, usually associated with greater blood volume.

Superficial veins

Veins located closer to the surface of the body.

Perforator veins

Veins that connect deep veins to superficial veins.

Sodium retention

The body's process of retaining sodium, which can impact blood pressure.