Oxygenation-Related Anatomy & Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular, hematologic, and respiratory structures and functions related to oxygenation.

Hollow muscular organ that pumps blood to the tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Heart

Outer protective layer of the heart wall.

Epicardium

Muscular middle layer of the heart responsible for pumping action.

Myocardium

Thin inner layer lining the inside of the heart.

Endocardium

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood.

Atria

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out; left ventricle is largest and strongest.

Ventricles

Relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle.

Diastole

Contraction phase of the cardiac cycle.

Systole

Right atrioventricular valve permitting one-way flow from right atrium to right ventricle.

Tricuspid Valve

Left atrioventricular valve allowing blood from left atrium to left ventricle.

Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve

Semilunar valve between right ventricle and pulmonary artery.

Pulmonic Valve

Semilunar valve between left ventricle and aorta.

Aortic Valve

Blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.

Artery

Blood vessel that returns oxygen-poor blood toward the heart.

Vein

Circuit that transports oxygenated blood from heart to body and returns deoxygenated blood.

Systemic Circulation

Circuit that sends oxygen-poor blood to lungs and returns oxygenated blood to heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

System composed of blood, blood vessels, and blood-forming organs.

Hematologic System

Formation and development of blood cells in bone marrow.

Hematopoiesis

Active marrow that performs hematopoiesis; found in ribs, vertebrae, flat bones.

Red Bone Marrow

Marrow composed mainly of fat; can convert to red marrow if needed.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Pale yellow fluid portion of blood, ~91% water, 7% protein, 2% other solutes.

Plasma

Cellular components of blood: erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Formed Elements

Biconcave cell containing hemoglobin; transports oxygen.

Erythrocyte (RBC)

Iron-containing protein in RBCs that binds oxygen.

Hemoglobin

Process of red blood cell formation in bone marrow.

Erythropoiesis

Destruction of RBCs after ~120-day lifespan; hemoglobin recycled, bilirubin formed.

Hemolysis

White blood cell that protects against infection and tissue injury.

Leukocyte (WBC)

Category of WBCs including neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils (60-80% of WBCs).

Granulocyte

Granulocyte that phagocytizes microorganisms and debris.

Neutrophil

Granulocyte releasing histamine for inflammation and heparin to prevent clots.

Basophil

Granulocyte active in allergic reactions and asthma.

Eosinophil

WBCs without granules: lymphocytes and monocytes.

Agranulocyte

Cell that produces antibodies and regulates immune responses.

Lymphocyte

Large phagocytic cell that ingests bacteria and dead tissue.

Monocyte

Cell fragment essential for clotting; forms platelet plug at injury site.

Platelet (Thrombocyte)

Hormone regulating platelet production.

Thrombopoietin

Largest lymphatic organ; filters blood and serves as reservoir.

Spleen

Organ involved in bile production, fetal erythropoiesis, and synthesis of clotting factors.

Liver

Oxygen delivery system enabling gas exchange between body and environment.

Respiratory System

Exchange of gases between lungs and environment.

External Respiration

Exchange of gases between blood and body cells.

Internal Respiration

Structures that warm and filter air: nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Structures responsible for gas exchange: bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, alveoli.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Air passage that filters, humidifies, and warms inspired air.

Nose

Four pairs of bony cavities (frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, maxillary) acting as speech resonators.

Paranasal Sinuses

Throat connecting nasal/oral cavities to larynx; dual passage for air and food.

Pharynx

Lymphatic tissues in pharynx guarding against microorganisms.

Adenoids & Tonsils

Voice box connecting pharynx to trachea; functions in vocalization and airway protection.

Larynx

Cartilage flap covering laryngeal opening during swallowing.

Epiglottis

Opening between vocal cords within the larynx.

Glottis

Largest laryngeal cartilage; includes Adam’s apple.

Thyroid Cartilage

Ring-shaped cartilage below thyroid cartilage.

Cricoid Cartilage

Windpipe composed of C-shaped cartilage rings; passage to bronchi.

Trachea

Primary airways carrying air from trachea into lungs.

Bronchi

Small airways that deliver air from bronchi to alveoli.

Bronchioles

Paired elastic organs; right lung has 3 lobes, left lung has 2 lobes.

Lungs

Microscopic air sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Alveoli

Forms thin barrier between air and blood in alveolus.

Type I Alveolar Cell

Produces surfactant and new Type I cells.

Type II Alveolar Cell

Phagocytic cell that ingests foreign matter in alveoli.

Type III Alveolar Cell

Substance reducing surface tension in alveoli, preventing collapse.

Surfactant

Process of drawing air into the lungs.

Inspiration

Process of expelling air from the lungs.

Expiration