Exam 3 Material - The Blood and Circulatory System

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the blood, the cardiovascular system, and the lymphatic system from the lecture notes.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are involved in fighting infections.

Platelets

Cell fragments that play a key role in blood clotting.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, waste products, and proteins.

Hemoglobin

A protein found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen.

Hematocrit

The ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total volume of blood.

ABO blood group system

A classification system for blood based on the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

Antigens

Substances that induce an immune response, often found on pathogens or foreign cells.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Thrombosis

The formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel.

Embolism

The obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign body or blood clot that has traveled from another site.

Osmolarity

The measure of solute concentration in blood compared to surrounding tissues.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, typically containing oxygenated blood.

Veins

Blood vessels that return blood to the heart, often containing deoxygenated blood.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that connect arterioles and venules, and are the site of exchange between blood and tissues.

Precapillary Sphincters

Muscle fibers that regulate blood flow into capillary beds.

Atrioventricular valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles of the heart, preventing backflow.

Coronary circulation

The circulation of blood to and from the tissues of the heart.

Angina

Chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Infarction

Tissue death due to inadequate blood supply, often due to blockage.

Lymphatic system

The network of vessels, nodes, and organs that assists in fluid balance, transportation of fatty acids, and immune responses.

Monocytes

A type of white blood cell that differentiates into macrophages, which phagocytose pathogens.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically target antigens.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Cardiac cycle

The series of events in one heartbeat, including diastole and systole.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose heart conditions.