Introduction to the Cardiovascular System

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the functions, components, anatomy, and physiological processes of the human cardiovascular system.

Transport Function

A main function of the cardiovascular system that carries nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and metabolic wastes such as carbon dioxide and nitrogenous wastes to and from cells.

Protection Function

The system carries white blood cells and antibodies to fight foreign microbes and toxins, and uses clotting mechanisms to protect from blood loss after injury.

Regulation Function

The maintenance of body temperature, fluid pH, and the water content of cells.

Blood Plasma

A complex liquid making up $55\%$ of blood by volume, carrying inorganic ions (e.g., $Ca$, $Mg$, $Cl$, $HCO_3$), nutrients, waste products ($CO_2$, urea), hormones, and antibodies.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen; they have a biconcave shape, contain haemoglobin, have no nucleus, and live for approximately $3-4$ months.

Leucocytes

White blood cells that destroy pathogens; the five types include monocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and basophils.

Platelets

Blood components that help with blood clotting and repairing breaks in blood vessels.

Haemoglobin

A red protein containing iron found in red blood cells that carries oxygen ($O_2$).

Oxyhaemoglobin

The bright red substance formed by the combination of haemoglobin and oxygen.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart; they have thick muscular walls because the blood is under high pressure.

Capillaries

Vessels that are one cell thick to allow the transfer of gases, nutrients, and wastes; they connect arterioles to venules.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart; they have thinner walls than arteries and contain valves to prevent backflow.

Tricuspid Valve

The right atrioventricular valve located between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Mitral Valve

Also known as the bicuspid valve or left AV valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Vena Cava

The major blood vessels (inferior and superior) that bring deoxygenated blood from the body into the right atrium.

Aorta

The major blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.

Chordae tendineae

Known as "heart strings," these hold the atrio-ventricular valves in place and prevent backflow into the atria during ventricular contraction.

Coronary Arteries

Arteries that supply the heart muscle itself with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where a buildup of cholesterol or other substances forms plaque, narrowing the arteries.

Sinoatrial node (SA)

The pacemaker of the heart; it sends nerve impulses that spread over the atria to trigger contraction and set the basic heart rhythm.

Atrioventricular node (AV)

A clump of special tissue that delays and conducts impulses to the ventricles, allowing the atria time to push blood into the ventricles before they contract.

Medulla oblongata

The part of the brain containing the Cardiac Center responsible for modifying heart rate and contraction strength based on blood pressure and gas levels.

Sphygmomanometer

The medical instrument used to measure blood pressure, typically using a cuff and a stethoscope.

Systolic Blood Pressure

The pressure recorded during the first sound of rushing blood when the heart contracts; a normal high value is around $120\,mm\,Hg$.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

The blood pressure of the heart at rest when the sound fades; a normal low value is around $80\,mm\,Hg$.

Hypertension

High blood pressure indicated by consistent readings where Systole is $>140\,mm\,Hg$ or Diastole is $>90\,mm\,Hg$.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure indicated by consistent readings where Systole is $<120\,mm\,Hg$ and Diastole is $<80\,mm\,Hg$.