Arteries, Veins, and Blood Vessels

Flashcards covering the structure and function of arteries, veins, and other blood vessels.

Elastic Arteries

Large arteries close to the heart that can withstand high pressure and recoil.

Muscular Arteries

Arteries further from the heart, known for being quite muscular but with less elastic tissue.

Arterioles

Very small arteries that are far away from the heart.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels with a single cell layer facilitating nutrient and gas exchange.

Fenestrated Capillaries

Capillaries with pores that allow a lot of stuff to pass through.

Venules

Very tiny veins.

Medium Sized Veins

Veins of intermediate size.

Tunica Intima

The innermost layer of blood vessel walls.

Tunica Media

The middle layer of blood vessel walls, made of smooth muscle.

Tunica Externa/Adventitia

The outermost layer of blood vessel walls, made of connective tissue.

Lumen

The space inside an organ or blood vessel.

Endothelium

Specialized epithelium lining blood vessels.

Vasoconstriction

Contraction of blood vessel muscles, reducing blood flow.

Vasodilation

Relaxation of blood vessel muscles, increasing blood flow.

Precapillary Sphincters

Circular muscles that regulate blood flow through capillaries.

Venous Valves

Valves in veins that prevent backflow of blood.