Vascular System and Blood Pressure Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the blood supply to the brain, principal body veins, hepatic portal circulation, hemodynamics, and blood pressure categories.

External carotid artery

The branch of the common carotid artery that supplies most of the external head structures.

Internal carotid artery

The branch of the common carotid artery that enters the cranial cavity and supplies the orbits and $80\%$ of the cerebrum.

Circle of Willis

A circle of arteries at the base of the brain formed by anastomoses between branches of the internal carotids and basilar artery to help ensure an adequate blood supply to the brain.

Superior vena cava

The main vein branch that receives blood from the head, shoulders, and arms.

Inferior vena cava

The main vein branch that receives blood from the lower part of the body.

Internal jugular vein

The vein that receives most of the blood from the brain as well as from the face, merging into the subclavian vein.

Cephalic vein

A vein whose distal end is a common site for the administration of intravenous fluids.

Hepatic veins

The veins that drain blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava.

Median cubital vein

The vein located in the arm that serves as the most common site for drawing blood.

Great saphenous vein

The longest vein in the body, which is often harvested for use as grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Superficial veins

Veins that reside near the body's surface, such as the veins on the back of the hand.

Deep veins

Veins that lie in deep, well-protected areas, often alongside bones and their corresponding arteries.

External jugular vein

The more superficial of the jugular veins, which drains blood from the scalp, facial muscles, and other superficial structures.

Vertebral vein

The vein that drains the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some of the muscles of the neck.

Hepatic portal vein

The circulatory vessel formed by the convergence of the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein that channels blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver.

Sinusoids

The innumerable microscopic capillaries of the liver into which the hepatic portal vein channels blood.

Pressure gradient

A difference in pressure between two structures, causing fluid to flow from an area of higher pressure toward an area of lower pressure.

Systolic pressure

The peak arterial pressure produced during ventricular contraction (systole), normally averaging $110\,mm\,Hg$ with a normal range of $90\text{ to }120\,mm\,Hg$.

Diastolic pressure

The minimum arterial pressure present during ventricular relaxation (diastole), normally averaging $70\,mm\,Hg$ with a normal range of $60\text{ to }80\,mm\,Hg$.

Blood pressure

The force exerted by the blood against a vessel wall, determined by cardiac output, blood volume, and resistance.

Cardiac output

A factor affecting blood pressure that increases when the heart beats harder (such as during exercise) and falls when cardiac output decreases or the heart is weak.

Peripheral resistance

The opposition to blood flow resulting from the friction of moving blood against vessel walls, where greater resistance slows flow and raises pressure.

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument connected to an inflatable cuff wrapped around the upper arm at the brachial artery used to measure blood pressure.

Pulse pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure, reflecting the stress on small arteries by pressure surges during systole.

Hypotension

Lower than normal blood pressure, which diminishes blood flow to organs and can lead to shock and death if severe.

Hypertension

Higher than normal blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.

Normal blood pressure

A blood pressure reading defined as less than $120/80\,mm\,Hg$.

Elevated blood pressure

A blood pressure classification defined as systolic pressure between $120\text{--}129\,mm\,Hg$ and diastolic pressure less than $80\,mm\,Hg$.

Stage 1 hypertension

A blood pressure classification defined as systolic pressure between $130\text{--}139\,mm\,Hg$ or diastolic pressure between $80\text{--}89\,mm\,Hg$.

Stage 2 hypertension

A blood pressure classification defined as systolic pressure at least $140\,mm\,Hg$ or diastolic pressure at least $90\,mm\,Hg$.