CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Cardiovascular System

The system responsible for the transport of various substances, such as gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste products, throughout the body.

Product Transport

The function of the cardiovascular system to transport gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), metabolic products, wastes, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells throughout the body.

Immunity

The function of the cardiovascular system to transport white blood cells (leukocytes) that are responsible for targeting and eliminating pathogens in the body.

Thermoregulation

The function of the cardiovascular system to regulate body temperature through processes such as vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels) and vasoconstriction (contraction of blood vessels).

Clotting

The process that occurs in injuries where platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding.

Blood

The component of the cardiovascular system that consists of a matrix/ground substance and formed elements, including erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and thrombocytes (platelets).

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells responsible for immune responses and targeting pathogens in the body.

Thrombocytes

Platelets responsible for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.

Blood Plasma

The matrix where all the components of blood are found.

Blood Vessels

Structures that transport blood throughout the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to different parts of the body, with higher elastic fiber content to prevent rupture.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, with thinner walls and the presence of valves to prevent backflow and mixing of blood.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, facilitating the exchange of materials between the blood and tissues.

Vasoconstriction

The contraction of blood vessels to reduce blood flow and conserve heat when the body is too cold.

Vasodilation

The expansion of blood vessels to increase blood flow and dissipate heat when the body is too hot.

Microcirculation

The circulation between the smallest blood vessels, including arterioles, capillary beds, and venules, responsible for the transport of nutrients, gases, and removal of waste products from tissues.

Single Loop Circulatory System

A circulatory system found in fish where blood flows through the heart only once, with systemic circulation moving blood from the gills to the rest of the body and back to the heart.

Gill Circulation

The flow of blood from the heart into the gills for gas exchange.

Amphibia

A class of vertebrates that includes frogs, toads, and salamanders, with a three-chambered heart and both pulmonary and systemic circulation.

Pulmonary/Pulmocutaneous Circulation

The circulation of blood between the heart, lungs, and skin in amphibians, where oxygenated and deoxygenated blood mix.

Avialae

A class of vertebrates that includes birds, with a four-chambered heart and a double-loop circulatory system.

Mammalia

A class of vertebrates that includes mammals, with a four-chambered heart and a double-loop circulatory system.