The circulatory system

What is the primary function of the heart and blood vessels?

To transport oxygen and nutrients to body cells and carry carbon dioxide and metabolic waste away from cells.

What is the size and structure of the heart?

The heart is a muscular, hollow organ about the size of a closed fist.

What are the three layers of the heart?

Endocardium (inner layer), myocardium (middle muscular layer), and pericardium (outer double-layered membrane).

What is the role of the septum in the heart?

The septum is a muscular dividing wall that separates the heart into right and left sides.

What are the two upper chambers of the heart called?

Atria.

What does the right atrium do?

Receives blood as it returns from body cells.

What function does the left ventricle serve?

It receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it into the aorta for transport to body cells.

What is the purpose of heart valves?

To ensure one-way blood flow in the correct direction.

What does the tricuspid valve prevent?

It prevents blood from flowing back into the right atrium from the right ventricle.

What occurs during systole in the cardiac cycle?

It is the period of ventricular contraction while the atria are relaxing.

What type of blood is found in the right side of the heart?

Deoxygenated blood, rich in carbon dioxide.

What are arteries responsible for?

Carrying blood away from the heart.

What are the largest veins in the body called?

Vena cavae.

What is the main function of capillaries?

To connect arterioles and venules, facilitating nutrient and gas exchange.

How much blood does the average adult have?

About 4-6 quarts (16-24 cups) of blood.

What are erythrocytes and their main function?

Red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body’s cells and carbon dioxide away.

What is anemia?

Condition characterized by not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin.

What is an aneurysm?

A saclike formation or ballooning out on arterial walls that can create weak spots.

What does arteriosclerosis involve?

Hardening or thickening of arterial walls that decreases elasticity.

What is myocardial infarction commonly known as?

A heart attack.

What is the treatment for hemophilia?

Blood transfusions and administration of clotting factors.

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure that has several risk factors and can lead to serious complications.

What defines congestive heart failure?

A condition where the heart muscle does not beat adequately to supply the body with blood.

What is an embolus?

A foreign substance circulating in the bloodstream that can block blood vessels.