Cardiovascular, Hematologic & Lymphatic Systems Review

Fifty question-and-answer flashcards covering cardiovascular anatomy & physiology, hematology, and lymphatic/immune concepts.

What is the primary function of arteries?

They carry blood away from the heart.

What is the primary function of capillaries?

They allow exchange of O₂, CO₂, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissues.

What is the primary function of veins?

They return blood toward the heart.

Which heart layer is composed of cardiac muscle arranged in irregular whorls?

The myocardium.

Which heart layer forms the inner lining of all heart chambers?

The endocardium.

Between which structures is the aortic (atrial) valve located?

Between the left ventricle and the aorta.

Where is the pulmonic (pulmonary) valve located?

Between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk.

The tricuspid valve is found between which two chambers?

The right atrium and the right ventricle.

The mitral (bicuspid) valve is found between which two chambers?

The left atrium and the left ventricle.

What is the correct sequence of blood flow from the right atrium to the aorta?

Right atrium → Right ventricle → Pulmonary artery → Pulmonary vein → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Aorta.

During which phase of the cardiac cycle is the heart contracting?

Systole.

During which phase of the cardiac cycle is the heart filling/relaxing?

Diastole.

Cardiac muscle cells are striated and typically have how many central nuclei?

One central nucleus.

What is the correct order of electrical conduction through the heart’s pacemaker system?

SA node → AV node → Bundle of His → Purkinje fibers.

On an ECG, what does the P wave represent?

Atrial depolarization.

On an ECG, what does the QRS complex represent?

Ventricular depolarization.

On an ECG, what does the T wave represent?

Ventricular repolarization.

What is the term for the formation of blood cells?

Hematopoiesis.

What shape do mature red blood cells have?

A biconcave disc.

What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?

About 120 days.

Red blood cells generate ATP primarily by which process?

Glycolysis.

Which blood type is known as the universal recipient?

AB⁺.

Which blood type is known as the universal donor?

O⁻.

Elevated neutrophil counts are most commonly associated with what type of infection?

Bacterial infections.

Elevated eosinophil counts are typically associated with which conditions?

Parasitic worm infestations and allergic reactions.

Elevated lymphocyte counts are most commonly associated with which conditions?

Tumors and viral infections.

High blood oxygen concentration triggers kidney release of EPO: true or false?

False.

Which clotting factors make up the common coagulation pathway?

Factors I, II, V, and X.

A person with type A blood possesses which antibodies in plasma?

Anti-B antibodies.

Platelet plug formation is initiated when platelets are exposed to what?

Collagen.

Which mineral is essential for hemoglobin synthesis?

Iron.

Heparin functions as what type of substance?

An anticoagulant.

Into which vein does the thoracic duct drain?

The left subclavian vein.

Into which vein does the right lymphatic duct drain?

The right subclavian vein.

Where do B lymphocytes mature?

In the bone marrow.

Where do T lymphocytes mature?

In the thymus.

Name the two primary lymphoid organs.

Bone marrow and thymus.

Give three examples of secondary lymphoid tissues.

Lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils (also Peyer’s patches and appendix).

Does the thymus increase or decrease in size with age?

It decreases (atrophies).

In the spleen, which pulp contains lymphocytes?

White pulp.

What constitutes the body’s first line of defense against pathogens?

Intact skin and mucous membranes.

Does inflammation spread or contain infection?

It contains the infection (spreading is false).

What are the primary actions of interferons?

They block viral replication, inhibit tumor growth, and stimulate phagocytosis.

What are the primary actions of complement proteins?

They stimulate inflammation, attract phagocytes, and enhance phagocytosis.

Natural killer (NK) cells destroy target cells by releasing which cytolytic proteins?

Perforins.

How does fever inhibit microbial growth?

By causing the liver and spleen to sequester iron, making it unavailable to microbes.

Which blood-vessel layer consists mainly of smooth muscle and elastin?

The tunica media.

Elastic arteries act as what and are inactive in what?

They act as pressure reservoirs and are inactive in vasoconstriction.

Continuous capillaries that form the blood–brain barrier are found in which system?

The central nervous system (CNS).

What is the primary purpose of venous valves?

To prevent the backflow of blood.